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Guy Heveldt analyses fallout of Israel Folau's homophobic comments – ‘Rugby has moved forward in equality'

April 20, 2018

The 1 NEWS Sports reporter says NZ Rugby is leading the way.

Though he may never have meant to, Israel Folau has not only opened the discussion of equality in rugby for the LGBT community, but he has set its development in motion.

That's the verdict coming from a former All Black and a 1 NEWS Sport reporter Guy Heveldt after a week of drama for the Wallabies star thanks to his controversial comment stating gay people were destined for hell.

"Rugby has, in the last couple of days, I think has moved forward in that equality realm," Heveldt said.

"People who engage with rugby in whatever manner deserve to be treated with respect and dignity," said NZRPA's CEO Rob Nichol.

"I think on the whole, rugby has come together and said, 'these comments are not good enough and if you're going to say them, we don't want you in our game'."

Prominent New Zealand players have voiced their disagreements with Folau with Chiefs halfback Brad Weber saying he was "disgusted" by the comments while All Black TJ Perenara voiced his concerns what affect they could have on young Maori and Polynesian members of the LGBT community.

But Heveldt pointed out a third player, former All Black Adam Thomson, has almost flown under the radar with his comments despite giving a well-rounded response.

"Although Israel's fundamentalist comments are abhorrent, isn't it great to see the storm this has created?" Thomson tweeted.

The Breakfast presenter is calling "bull" on Folau's use of freedom of speech.

"It wouldn't have been that long ago that this would have gone unchecked. He's probably inadvertently moved equality forward great strides. Thanks mate."

Heveldt said Australia Rugby CEO Raelene Castle is in a "difficult situation" handling what discipline could be issued to Folau.

"I think Castle is in an interesting situation where Folau has put the ball back in her court.

"It sounds like they're not going to punish him in any sense of a suspension which I think is a little bit soft."

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