Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has revealed furious fans personally threatened him at matches after he ruled out selecting controversial fullback Israel Folau over his “disrespectful” anti‑gay social media posts.
In a wide‑ranging interview just before the Rugby World Cup, Cheika also opened up on the sacking of assistant coach Stephen Larkham, declaring he would never fail his old team like some former players and coaches have and warned a shock win in the tournament in Japan cannot be the sole tonic for rugby’s troubles.
Asked if he was disappointed in Folau’s actions, he says he is not disappointed in the individual because if that’s what he believes, and that’s where his passion is, he will never tell someone to hide it.
Cheika says the other disappointing part is that they have lost one of their best players, a guy who he helped come back.
Australia will face the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians at 4.45pm next Saturday in the Rugby World Cup.
[Source:SMH]
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