Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is fully supportive of a decision to raise the pride flag above Twickenham on Sunday in direct response to his selection of Israel Folau for the World XV clash with the Barbarians.
Folau, who was sacked by Rugby Australia for years ago for publishing a series of anti-gay posts on social media, will face off against Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who will take charge of the Barbarians in England.
The Rugby Football Union has signalled it will respond to Folau’s presence with a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community by flying the rainbow flag.
Hansen is adamant Folau, who switched his allegiance to Tonga, deserves to be involved in the invitational fixture on the strength of his ability as a player and has no issue with the flag being flown.
“I think it’s great. It’s a consequence of Folau’s selection and I think it’s a good thing. It’s an opportunity to show support to that flag. I don’t have a problem with it,” Hansen said.
“There wouldn’t be one there if Israel wasn’t playing, so whenever we can bring attention to people who are suffering in a positive way, that’s good.
“They deserve to be loved and cared for as much as anybody else. If we all did that, it’d be a happy place, wouldn’t it?”
Hansen, who guided the All Blacks to World Cup success in 2015, conceded some people might be “hurt” by Folau’s selection.
But he pointed out he was picked as a rugby player, and Hansen said he didn’t support Folau’s religious views.
“Israel Folau is a very good rugby player. He’s world class. And I know by picking him that there will be some people hurt. And I get that,” he said.
“However, I want those people to understand that Israel‘s belief and views are not ours. And we don’t agree with them.
“But he‘s a rugby player first and foremost and he’s been sanctioned. Those sanctions have finished, he’s playing rugby, he’s probably going to go to the World Cup, so my job is to pick the best team I can pick and that’s what I’ve done.”
