MELBOURNE: The trial of Israel Folau is threatening to drive a wedge through the Australia rugby squad in a World Cup year, with prop Taniela Tupou saying all Pacific Islanders"might as well" be sacked for their Christian beliefs.
Tongan-born Tupou made clear his position when he took to Facebook late on Tuesday in response to a report that his Fiji-born Wallabies team mate Samu Kerevi had apologised on Instagram after posting about his"love" for Jesus before Easter. However, Folau, born to Tongan parents, has had support from Pasifika players who share his religion.
On Tuesday, Kerevi felt moved to clarify his"apology" for his social media post, saying he was not apologising for his faith or in response to the Folau controversy."Today I felt things were taken out of context in regards to certain articles. I do not feel obliged to apologise to people because of the situation happening right now with a brother of mine.
Under pressure from sponsors and LGBTI advocacy groups, RA has little choice but to stay the course on Folau, who was cautioned last year during a similar social media furore after saying gay people would go to hell if they did not repent.