'Rugby is inclusive': Fan launches Go Fund Me page to counter Israel Folau campaign
A Rugby Union fan from the UK has launched a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for charity to show Israel Folau “Rugby is an inclusive sport”.
Robbie Owen from Derby has raised more than $10,000 only days after Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle slammed Folau after the former Wallabies star caused outrage with his plea to the public for $3 million to help him fight RA in court.
More than 6,500 Australians have committed to back his fight to be reinstated after pledging more the $600,000.
The sacked rugby star and committed Christian has vowed to "stand up for the word of God" in his legal fight, in what could be a landmark test of religious freedoms.
But Owen has created his own campaign in an attempt to give the funds to the Stonewall organisation, who were responsible for the ‘Rainbow laces’ initiative.
“I want to show Folau that rugby is an inclusive sport, and raise money for pro-LGBT+ causes,” the Go Fund Me page reads.
“Primarily, I want to donate to Stonewall, the charity responsible for the rainbow laces initiative adopted across sport. Their mission is to make it clear to LGBT individuals that they are not alone, that they are supported, seen, and understood. This includes increasing inclusivity in sport, be that rugby or otherwise.”
“I have set the goal to $3 million AUD just to match Folau’s overambitious aims. I don’t expect for a moment that we’ll reach this ‘target’, but the real aim is just to raise more funds than Folau. The money will be going to a good cause.”
‘Not appropriate’
Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle slammed Israel Folau after the campaign as his crowdfunding effort has divided opinion.
Despite the spike in donations, Folau's decision to take his fight to Go Fund Me has prompted a sharp backlash.
"From our perspective (Go Fund Me) is a place where sick children get support, so it's certainly not a strategy we think is appropriate," Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle told Nine News.
Folau’s GoFundMe page has become the website’s ‘Top Fundraiser’, earning more money than a number of appeals for sick children.
Former Wallabies teammate Drew Mitchell was left incensed by that fact, slamming Folau for his ‘greed’.