Qantas has expressed its disappointment to Rugby Australia after the star player Israel Folau made homophobic comments on his personal Instagram account saying gay people were destined for “hell”. The 29-year-old fullback, who plays for the Australian Wallabies and the New South Wales Waratahs, is a devout Christian and posted a cartoon depicting “God’s plan”…
Author: THEJOHNANTONIOBLOG
Ireland face the wrath of cornered foes as they target third grand slam
There are cold-fingered days when rugby is slightly less about running or tackling and more about heart and soul. Twickenham is about to witness one, with Ireland chasing only the third grand slam in their history and a cornered England side desperately seeking redemption. The St Patrick’s Day expectation levels are starting to make the…
Israel Folau’s anti-gay comments condemned by All Black, referee and players
All Black TJ Perenara has stated his “100%” opposition to comments on homosexuality made by the Australian rugby star Israel Folau in a series of tweets supporting “diverse” sexual orientations. The 42-Test New Zealand rugby star added his voice to a growing list of high-profile figures inside the game condemning Folau’s comments, including World Cup…
S’busiso Nkosi powers South Africa to stunning comeback win over England
Forget, for a moment, the crazy final scoreline and the inquest into a fourth successive Test defeat for an England team who cannot currently buy a victory. This was a simply wonderful rugby occasion, a triumph not merely for South Africa and their first black Test captain, Siya Kolisi, but for anyone anywhere who might…
Chris Ashton hat-trick makes forceful point in Barbarians’ defeat of England
Occasionally in sport the story feels pre-ordained. Chris Ashton’s return to Twickenham always had the potential to be proper box office and, with all eyes on him, a stirring hat-trick of tries for the former England wing duly materialised. That it came on the same day England conceded a record number of points at Twickenham…
Leinster’s ruthless edge can complete greenwash in Champions Cup final
The Champions Cup final has yet to be played but Leinster can already claim to be Europe’s best, having answered every question thrown at them by the pick of the domestic leagues. The Irish region’s route to Saturday’s showpiece in Bilbao took in a home-and-away double over the Premiership champions, Exeter, and the club that…
England 12-6 Wales: how the players rated in the Six Nations
England Mike Brown 7/10 Much improved after an edgy display in Rome. Was more of an attacking threat and his usual safe self in the air. Anthony Watson 6/10 Followed his two tries last week with a solid display and stopped Gareth Anscombe from scoring a try. Limped off after break. Jonathan Joseph 6/10 Picked…
Leinster 15-12 Racing 92: European Champions Cup final player ratings
Leinster Rob Kearney 7 Not quite the attacking force he once was, but never afraid of a cute counterattack. Remains as solid under the high ball as anyone. Reassurance in a crucial position – Leinster all over. Jordan Larmour 5 We got a glimpse of the dancing feet early on, and he found a few metres, but…
Saracens pick Mako Vunipola despite mandatory rest period agreement
Saracens have named Mako Vunipola in their team to face Bath on Sunday despite being obliged to rest him according to an agreement between the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership. In a move that raises serious concerns over player welfare, Vunipola has been picked for the fourth week in a row following the Six…
Eddie Jones slams World Rugby for saying Anscombe’s try for Wales should have stood
Eddie Jones has criticised World Rugby for publicly admitting the TMO, Glenn Newman, was wrong to disallow Gareth Anscombe’s try during England’s 12-6 victory over Wales, suggesting that doing so shows a lack of respect towards the referee. World Rugby’s head of referees, Alain Rolland, rang Warren Gatland on Monday to say Anscombe’s try should…