Super League clubs agree rules to veto signings following Israel Folau furore
• ‘It is important to separate what is an off-field matter’
• Catalans owner Bernard Guasch absent from summit
Super League clubs have unanimously agreed plans that will give them greater authority to veto controversial signings in an effort to draw a line under the furore surrounding Catalans Dragons’ recruitment of
Israel Folau.
Folau’s arrival on a one-year deal was top of the agenda at a meeting in Salford on Wednesday, with many clubs unhappy the Rugby Football League did not block the move for the controversial Australian.
It is understood the measures discussed are effectively a gentleman’s agreement between all 12 member clubs. Catalans pushed ahead with
the signing of Folau without consulting their fellow top-flight teams, but all have agreed that should a player such as Folau be targeted, the signing will be subject to a thorough discussion beforehand.
The Super League chief executive, Robert Elstone, made a statement following a four-hour meeting at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium pleading for the focus to be shifted to the on-field action and away from Folau’s transfer. It stressed that measures are now in place for
Super League to block such signings.
“The Super League board accepts the legalities around the RFL’s decision to register Israel Folau,” he said, “and the board has voted unanimously to put in place measures that ensure the Super League has greater authority to stop controversial signings such as this in the future.
“Super League has clearly and consistently outlined its position on Israel Folau. With the season under way, we now feel it is important for Super League to separate what is an off-field matter from what is happening on the field. As a sport we have an impressive and enviable track record when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion and we will continue our great work in those areas.”
Super League clubs had summoned the Catalans owner, Bernard Guasch, to the meeting but he was unable to attend because of business commitments in France.
The club’s general manager, Alex Chan, was present along with a consultant representing the Dragons, but neither they nor any of the other clubs would expand on Super League’s statement.
Before the meeting it was revealed that Hull KR’s chairman, Neil Hudgell, had written to Catalans warning them of potential legal ramifications should any club or the competition suffer financial damages as a result of the decision to sign Folau. Hudgell declined to comment afterwards.
The former Wallaby was
sacked by Rugby Australia last May following a series of homophobic social media posts and has not played since.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/feb/05/catalans-chairman-super-league-meeting-israel-folau
