How many chances is he gonna get?

Hot off the back of a recently settled and highly publicised court case, banished former Wallaby Israel Folau has signed a contract with the Catalans Dragons. Returning to the code in which he first made his name, the controversial former AFL and rugby union star has joined the French rugby league side on a one-year deal. 

Folau hasn’t played either code of rugby since being sacked by Rugby Australia in April last year for homophobic comments on social media and the overnight announcement has been widely criticised by rugby league fans. Wakefield Trinity, and now fellow Super League player, Keegan Hirst, was quick to air out his thoughts on the matter via twitter. He said: “I’m shocked and disappointed at the signing of @IzzyFolau. Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in. It shows none of the bravery, cameraderie or integrity @rfl expects from its players, staff and fans”. 

I’m shocked and disappointed at the signing of @IzzyFolau. Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in. It shows none of the bravery, cameraderie or integrity @rfl expects from its players, staff and fans

— Keegan Hirst (@KeeganHirst) January 28, 2020

Just to clarify. Using your religion to justify your prejudice, whatever it is, is not an expression of beliefs.
It’s prejudice.

I imagine a lot of Christians would resent the idea of being lumped in with him, as a bigot because of their religious beliefs. https://t.co/65h1S6dnIs

— Keegan Hirst (@KeeganHirst) January 28, 2020

Also getting in on the act, Wigan Warriors not only won the day on Twitter but threw their support behind the LGBTQ+ community by announcing that their sixth round Super League tie against Folau’s Dragons taking place on Sunday, 22 March will now be Pride Day. To celebrate Pride Day at Wigan Warriors, Wigan players will step out in rainbow socks and laces and are inviting local LGBTQ+ groups, both locally and nationally, to be a part of the day’s activities. Here’s hoping Izzy catches the kick off.

🏳️‍🌈 @WiganWarriorsRL can confirm that their round six game against @DragonsOfficiel on Sunday 22nd March will now be Pride Day, as the Warriors look support the LGBTQ+ community.

Learn more 👇https://t.co/nvxK1VHHq1

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) January 28, 2020