Sir Michael Jones says Israel Folau a friend, but gay comments lacked 'love and grace'
Wallabies star Israel Folau has received major backlash after his anti-gay remarks on social media last month.
Newly elected New Zealand Rugby board member Sir Michael Jones feels for Israel Folau, but said personal beliefs should be expressed with "love and grace"
The 53-year-old All Black great was elected as an independent member of New Zealand Rugby's board on Thursday, ahead of former Labour MP Dame Annette King.
When asked about Folau's comments saying homosexuals were destined for hell, Jones, a Christian man, said he would never make comments like those.
"I do know Israel and he's a good man. He's got a good heart, and a strong faith. He's a friend," Jones said. "At the same time, I recognise that, in terms of my faith, it's very much a faith built on love and grace.
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"There are members of my family from those [gay] communities, and we love them. They're integral in our lives and a big part of who we are, and I'm sure Israel has that scenario too. We have big families and such diverse families.
"Being able to express yourself is important, but doing it respectfully, and I suppose with wisdom. There needs to be a lot of love and a lot of grace, particularly as Christians."
New Zealand Rugby was awarded a Rainbow Tick certification in 2017, something the organisation is very proud of.
Rugby is said to be an inclusive sport which people of all races and sexualities can play in, and Jones said that was something he felt strongly about.
"I was very much a part of the respect and responsibility panel that New Zealand Rugby had the vision and the commitment to put in place last year.
"It was an excellent space for me to bring my views and my contribution to the work of that panel.
"It was very clear to us that rugby continues to be a game of inclusion, that diversity is recognised and every Kiwi can feel like they can be part of this whanau.
Sir Michael Jones has been elected as an independent member to the New Zealand Rugby board.
"For me personally, that's my feelings, particularly about the place of rugby. Rugby is a place where no-one is left behind. It encompasses all, and that's very important to me personally."
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said his organisation is focused on being as open and inclusive as possible, and welcoming the gay community into the sport.
"We've been very clear," Tew said. "We've got policies, we've been through the Rainbow Tick certification, [and] we had a major media conference to celebrate that moment."
On the comments of All Black halfbacks Brad Weber and TJ Perenara over the past few days slating Folau's comments, Tew said they had acted within the values of NZ Rugby.
NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew said Brad Weber and TJ Perenara had expressed their views with respect and dignity.
"I think they've expressed their views in a respectful and meaningful way," Tew said.
"I read TJ's [comments] this morning when I woke up and thought he expressed a view, which is his, in a very clear way, and made some salient points particularly about some vulnerable people in our communities."
New Zealand Rugby's AGM was on Thursday, with a key vote held on who would become an independent member of the organisation's board.
Jones said he was humbled to get the nod, having been nominated by the Tasman Rugby Football Union.
"Rugby has been such a huge part of my life. It's shaped me, it's given me so much," Jones said.
"For me, this is just an extension of what I've been doing at grass roots level, but to now be sitting at a key strategic and governance level, it's a huge honour.
"It comes with a lot of responsibilities, and I'm very mindful of the communities I represent. I've got to do the very best while I'm at that table."
Jones said King was a fierce competitor in the race for the board position, comparing her to a former Australian star he used to compete against.
"I do wish to acknowledge Dame Annette, a candidate with whom I have huge admiration for. It's been a bit like having to face Willie Ofahengaue back in the day. it's been pretty touch having to go head to head. She's amazing."
Farah Palmer was re-elected to the board, while Dick Littlejohn was made a life member of New Zealand Rugby during the AGM.
- Stuff
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