Israel Folau has been repeatedly booed by members of the crowd at Twickenham while playing for World XV in their 48-42 loss to the Barbarians.
Throughout the exhibition match in London, loud boos rang around the stadium and were heard on the match broadcast whenever Folau handled the ball.
The former Wallabies fullback was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 following a homophobic social media post.
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In protest of Folau’s selection for the Killik Cup clash, the Rugby Football Union flew a pride flag above the ground, while a group of spectators wore rainbow clothing and waved flags to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the distraction, Folau scored a try in the 24th minute.
Speaking post-match, World XV and former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the booing was of no benefit to anyone.
“Everyone is allowed an opinion. We don’t necessarily have to agree with each other on our opinions but you are entitled to have one,” he told the media.
“You can’t be punished for the rest of your life for having an opinion that most of us disagree with. I’ve always been a great believer that you can’t help somebody change by leaving them on the outside.”
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Nonchalantly sporting a pride wristband, Hansen said he did not broach the booing with Folau after the match.
“We didn’t speak about [the booing],” he said.
“It was more about the game of footy that we spoke about.”
Hansen was previously forced to defend his selection Folau, claiming the decision was purely based on his playing ability.
Of wearing the wristband Hansen said, “I thought I would support them. The community is a special one and every human being deserves to be loved and cared for and judged on their own merits”.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones – who led the Barbarians – said he did not notice the booing, but was glad to see Folau back playing international rugby.
“I didn’t hear it, I was watching the game,” he said.
“We want all good players to be playing international rugby and for him (Folau) to get the opportunity to play again, that three-year rule from World Rugby is a very sensible rule.
“It gives players who have represented other countries and have natural allegiances to another country a chance to play. That is very good.”
Folau is expected to represent Tonga at this year’s World Cup.
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