Super Rugby - 2019

[Digby]

I'm supposing he was trying to force a departure from union

[paddy no 11]

Good riddance - he's been a disgrace on the pitch for ages, stinking out a Jersay.......AUS better off without him

[Puja]

Bloody hell. Rugby Australia have got some minerals! I was fully expecting a mealy-mouthed, "We have spoken to Israel, are sorry for any offence caused, and will continue taking shit in the name of being able to play him in the RWC."

Very well done Australia - the right decision and hopefully one that will play out for you long term.

Puja

[Digby]

They haven't actually fired him yet, so far they're saying they've been unable to speak to him, that based on the comments they would seek to terminate his contract but there could be mitigating factors

My take is whether even rugby league is happy with such homophobia is the only mitigation possible, if there's a shiny NRL offer on the table Israel will not be expressing remorse for the language used whilst claiming he was himself drunk

[Lizard]

Aus Rugby press release says they tried to contact Folau and his agent but got no response in 24 hours. This, plus the timing of the tweet, heavily suggest it’s a deliberate ploy to get fired. Can’t quite understand the motivation but watch NRL and Top 14 recruitment announcements closely.

[zer0]

He was already in hot water a year ago for the same thing. Then the RA disciplinary result was basically "he's been a naughty boy but won't be doing it again". He did it again. Ergo he's gone. Seems pretty open and shut to me, but fair play to RA for following through. I was expecting a fine and maybe a suspension.

I've read from more informed Australian lawyers that the legalese about 'intending to terminate his contract except for mitigating circumstances' is to curb any appeals for improper dismissal. I'd wager that mitigation will also have to be genuine mitigating circumstances, such as "here's demonstrable proof my account was hacked", not simply "mah boible, m8".

As for the NRL, they have their own rampant off-field problems to deal with. Doubt even they'd think adding fuel to the existing fire is a good idea. Plus he's also a 30 y/o outside back.

[morepork]

It's pushing the boundaries of hate speech. NRL, Catholic Nutter Field Hockey Society or whomever would be mad to go near him. Get him out, quickly.

[Puja]

It's pushing the boundaries of hate speech. NRL, Catholic Nutter Field Hockey Society or whomever would be mad to go near him. Get him out, quickly.

As always, the Top 14 will have him. They've got no issues hiring problematic people if they can play rugby (or in the case of Ben Barba, even if they can't).

Puja

[morepork]

That must be why the French National team is having a rough time at the moment. Jebus is punishing them for being fuckheads.

[Digby]

Medard actually does an amazing rendition of Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam

[cashead]

It's pushing the boundaries of hate speech. NRL, Catholic Nutter Field Hockey Society or whomever would be mad to go near him. Get him out, quickly.

The NRL agrees with you, and the Australian Rugby League commission have stated that Folau will not pass the "inclusive test." Not surprising really, considering that the NRL has been vocally supportive of LGBTQ+ rights in Australia, and explicitly supported marriage equality before it was legalised there.

[morepork]

Speaking of League. Shout out to one of the pioneers of sexual diversity in that environment.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/ ... gay-player

[Numbers]

So Billy Vunipola has weighed in with his views on the matter.. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47909515

[morepork]

That's not good.

[Banquo]

Jaguares absolutely humped the Sharks in Durban, impressive

[morepork]

The Invisible space zombie penetrates deeply into SA rugby too, it seems:

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/de-bruin-i ... -drowning/

"The Lions are a Christian team and I found it incredibly difficult to play on Good Friday. Many of our supporters criticised us for that too. I felt I should’ve taken a stand, but I didn’t,"

This is not a great business plan for professional sport in the 21st century IMHO.

[Lizard]

I think that’s the Chiefs fucked for the season.

[morepork]

What is it with rugby players and having a pissed feed at MacDonalds?

[morepork]

I think that’s the Chiefs fucked for the season.

Then again...

[Lizard]

No, this is classic Chiefs. Just when it’s too late they string you along with “mathematical possibility” for a few more weeks. Bloody good game though.

[Banquo]

No, this is classic Chiefs. Just when it’s too late they string you along with “mathematical possibility” for a few more weeks. Bloody good game though.

amazing considering the heat and humidity. Crusaders lost the plot though.

[Digby]

I wonder if Crusaders now have a similar problem that England do? There was a marked difference in the amount of time both teams were willing to leave the opposing midfields as the game opened up, and when that press that Crusaders have markedly moved towards is suffocating they had a real hold on the game, but that defence essentially asks for many more and higher intensity shuttle runs off the ball, and as a consequence the press doesn't always remain of the same standard.

[cashead]

No, this is classic Chiefs. Just when it’s too late they string you along with “mathematical possibility” for a few more weeks. Bloody good game though.

amazing considering the heat and humidity. Crusaders lost the plot though.

Allow me to sum up the Crusaders' second half in exactly 10 seconds.

[zer0]

This must now be some sort of record for the most drawn matches in a season. Thus, I'm confident our stats monkey will have our answer within 24 hours.

[zer0]

I've also come to the conclusion that Brendon Pickerill really doesn't like the Blues.