'Contemplated suicide': The sad reality of Israel Folau saga
Scott Johnson says he knows first hand the importance of inclusivity in rugby, explaining why Rugby Australia has his full support in their employment battle with Israel Folau.
RA’s director of rugby Johnson revealed the role he played when former Wales fullback Gareth Thomas struggled with his sexuality 13 years ago, cementing then a firm belief that the sport should embrace people of all backgrounds.
Asked for the first time about Folau’s anti-gay social media posts, Johnson was unwilling to comment until after the star fullback’s code of conduct hearing on May 4.
However, he said fully supported RA issuing a high-level code of conduct breach.
“Israel, I will park (opinion) until he has his chance to say his side of the story, but as a sport and what Rugby Australia stands for, I’m all for including all types,” Johnson said.
Thomas confided with Johnson in late 2006 when the Welsh great was torn over whether to reveal to his teammates that he was gay.
Johnson was the Wallabies attack coach on their tour of Europe but revealed he spent most of his night and the following morning in the Welsh team’s hotel with an emotional Thomas following the 29-29 drawn Test.
“I was very privileged and honoured to be there as the person that Gareth Thomas needed to talk to about his sexuality,” Johnson said.
“He was a married man who was having difficulty and I remember after the Test match that we played in Cardiff … I was coaching the opposition and he only wanted to talk to me.”
“I spent the next 24 hours off-site in the opposition’s hotel talking to his teammates because he couldn’t, nor his coaching staff and his management.
“It goes beyond rugby. This is human relationship. I had a kid that I absolutely loved to coach, I loved what he stood for (but was) troubled.”
‘Contemplated suicide’
In 2014, Thomas opened up about how he ‘contemplated suicide’ while he was trying to keep his sexuality secret.
“It is difficult for people to realise what is on the mind of someone who wants to die. For me, I had so much pride, but so much hatred for what I was,” he told BBC.
“When I was found I wanted my parents to look at me and be proud of what I had created rather than the embarrassment of what I created.
“The rugby theme played a massive part of my life and I wanted it to be a massive part of my death.”
Former Wales mentor Johnson had formed a coach-player relationship with Thomas over the five preceding years.
Thomas publicly revealed he was gay in 2009 and spoke of his desire to be an inspiration for other young gay players.
“The sport allowed Gareth in a very dark period to come out,” Johnson said.
“I love the fact that he’s become the man he has. I think he stands for so many good things.
“This went beyond the sport, it cut across countries. A rugby team is a microcosm of society. We’ve all got issues.”
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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