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Agence France-Presse

Unrepentant Wallabies star Israel Folau stood by his controversial anti-gay comments on Sunday and said he was content to walk away from rugby with his faith in God taking priority.
The deeply religious 30-year-old caused a storm last week after posting on Instagram that “Hell awaits” homosexuals and other sinners. It sparked a fierce backlash and Rugby Australia said it planned to sack him.
The two sides met on Friday with the dual international, who started his career in rugby league, expected to go through a code of conduct hearing amid reports that he may have a legal case for religious discrimination.
“It’s obviously a decision that’s in the process right now but I believe in a God that’s in control of all things,” Folau told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper at a Truth Of Jesus Christ Church service, in his first comments since the scandal exploded.

"Israel Folau, I'm calling you out."

Japan captain Michael Leitch has posted this video on his Instagram in response to Israel Folau's latest homophobic comments.

Our captain. pic.twitter.com/rlQ3DRNvk3
— Japan Rugby Club (@JapanRugbyClub) April 11, 2019

“Whatever His will is, whether that’s to continue playing or not, I’m more than happy to do what He wants me to do.”
Folau, Super Rugby’s record try scorer, is Australia’s most marketable player and was a key part of the Wallabies plans for the World Cup this year. But he has long riled those in power with his extreme views.
Whatever His will is, whether that’s to continue playing or not, I’m more than happy to do what He wants me to do
Israel Folau
Last week he posted a banner that read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators – Hell awaits you.”
It remains online and has attracted more than 38,000 likes.




















View this post on Instagram



















Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 KJV _______________ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 KJV _______________ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:30 KJV _______________
A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:18am PDT



He was embroiled in a similar furore last year but escaped without sanction. However, with the Wallabies key sponsor Qantas livid at his latest comments, rugby bosses have taken a hard line.
Folau told the newspaper the outrage had not caused him to reconsider his stance.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “I’ll stand on what the Bible says. I share it with love. I can see the other side of the coin where people’s reactions are the total opposite to how I’m sharing it.
“But in Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 11, it says that ‘God has no pleasure in the person that’s living in sin’ ... He’s a loving God and he wants people to turn away from what they’re living in and he’ll give them life.
“That’s the message that I’m trying to share, even though it comes across as harsh. I can’t change what the word of God says.”
With rugby league also turning its back on Folau, the supremely talented player faces his storied career coming to an end. He has already been stood down by the NSW Waratahs while his case is heard.

I don't like seeing anyone losing their job.

But Israel Folau has become a habitual linestepper.

If you said any of his comments, in any job, you'd be sacked.

Good move from the ARU.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) April 11, 2019

Folau admitted he would miss rugby, but said he was dedicated to God.
“First and foremost, I live for God now. Whatever He wants me to do, I believe His plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that’s not to continue on playing, so be it,” he said.
“In saying that, obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I’ll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first.”
Despite widespread condemnation of his views, he won support in some quarters, notably from England and Saracens No 8 Billy Vunipola, who like Folau is of Tongan heritage and liked his post on Instagram.
Vunipola, who faces a grilling by Rugby Football Union chiefs, was booed every time he touched the ball in the Saracens Premiership loss to Bristol on Saturday.
Folau said it was “a tough time” for him but “I have love towards everyone that might be saying negative things”.


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World Rugby

Israel Folau unrepentant after Instagram outburst; says he’s content to walk away from rugby after ban

Israel Folau could be facing the end of his storied rugby career. Photo: AP

Sport

Rugby


Folau expected to be banned by Rugby Australia
The 30-year-old has already been dropped by his club side



Folau expected to be banned by Rugby Australia


Rugby World Cup 2019

Israel Folau unrepentant after Instagram outburst; says he’s content to walk away from rugby after ban

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Folau expected to be banned by Rugby Australia The 30-year-old has already been dropped by his club side

Folau expected to be banned by Rugby Australia

The 30-year-old has already been dropped by his club side