Lawrence Dallaglio criticises Billy Vunipola for not taking chance to apologise
Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio has criticised Billy Vunipola for failing to apologise for his comments supporting a homophobic Instagram post made by Israel Folau.
Vunipola was subject to extensive criticism, and handed a formal warning by Saracens and the Rugby Football Union, after appearing to support Folau’s remark that gay people were destined for “hell” if they did not “repent”.
The Saracens No 8 liked Folau’s post and then backed it up with his own, notably saying “man was made for woman to procreate”.
Vunipola later went on to star in Saracen’s Champions Cup semi-final win over Munster on Saturday and was named man of the match.
But Dallaglio believes the forward should have taken the opportunity, as Austin Healey handed him the award, to defuse the situation.
“I don't agree with what he said, seemingly backing up his mate Israel Folau,” Dallaglio told talkSPORT.
“He said it's his own views but they are clearly not views that are shared by the rest of his team-mates. They are not views shared by his club Saracens.
“It brings up this whole subject of what is acceptable and what is right for anyone to put out there on social media. He hasn't taken down his Instagram post that he's been warned for.
“And he had an opportunity, because Austin Healey somehow named him man of the match at the weekend - because he did play well but there was a number of other players who could easily have been man of the match.
“Given that opportunity, Billy Vunipola had the opportunity to defuse the situation, apologise to people, which he didn't do.”
Following Saturday’s 32-16 victory at the Ricoh Arena, Vunipola insisted that his support for Folau was never intended to hurt anyone.
“Behind closed doors I felt a lot of love, a lot of kindness shown to me and I am very grateful to be part of this team,” Vunipola told BT Sport. “Hopefully we can just keep this going and keep up what we are doing.
“From my point of view I believe what I believe in, there was no intention to hurt anyone, that was never my intention and I am just glad to play, to be fit and hopefully we will see those guys in the final.”
