Former Wallabies halfback Nic White has joined a handful of high-profitle voices to criticise Israel Folau's comments on homosexuality.
Chiefs and one-Test All Blacks nine Brad Weber took to Twitter to condemn Folau's position on Monday night, and fellow All Black TJ Perenara seconded his fellow Kiwi's tweets.
White took to social media on Thursday morning, to voice his support for the duo's views.
Hit the nail on the head @Tj_Perenara and @brad_weber9 hats off to you both for having the balls to speak up. For what it’s worth I completely agree and support you boys. “Know that it’s ok to be you” real class TJ #HalfbacksAreSmart 🌈
— nicholas white (@white_nic) April 18, 2018
In a series of tweets on Wednesday night, Perenara also revealed he had donated $500 to New Zealand's gay rugby team, the New Zealand Falcons for their Bingham Cup campaign.
I’d like to add my voice to the conversation currently taking place. As professional rugby players, whether we like it or not, we are role models for a lot of young people. Notably, young Māori and Pasifika people.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
You don’t need to look far to know that young Māori/PI are overrepresented in youth suicide statistics and, as I understand it, even more so when you look to those who are part of the Rainbow community. Comments that cause further harm cannot be tolerated.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
Let it go on record that I am 100% against the comments that were made by Israel. It was not ok to say that. It’s not an attitude I want to see in the game I love. There is no justification for such harmful comments.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
To anyone, young Māori/Pasifika people especially, who may be struggling with their identity - please know that it is ok to be you. You are perfect as you are. Do not let these comments keep you from being yourself. Polynesia has been sexually diverse since forever.
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
In the mean time, I have donated to the #NZFalcons campaign to support their involvement in the @BinghamCup2018 in June, the world championship of gay and inclusive men's and women's rugby. If you’d also like to support their campaign you can do so here: https://t.co/qQOK4yiVGH
— Tj Perenara (@Tj_Perenara) April 18, 2018
Folau has had no shortage of support since publishing a piece for PlayersVoice, with some current Wallabies voicing their support for their teammate, including Samu Kerevi and Curtis Rona.
The 29-year-old has not been sanctioned for his comments on Instagram, where he said God's plan for gay people was ,'HELL...unless they repent their sins and turn to God".
