‘Some people hurt’: Folau in new pride flag drama

Folau, who was sacked by Rugby Australia for years in the past for publishing a collection of anti-gay posts on social media, will face off in opposition to Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, who will take cost of the Barbarians in England.

The Rugby Football Union has signalled it would reply to Folau’s presence with a present of assist for the LGBTQ+ group by flying the rainbow flag.

Hansen is adamant Folau, who switched his allegiance to Tonga, deserves to be concerned within the invitational fixture on the power of his capability as a participant and has no subject 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 stated.

“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 folks is perhaps “hurt” by Folau’s choice.

But he identified he was picked as a rugby participant, and Hansen stated he didn’t assist Folau’s spiritual 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 stated.

“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.”