Israel Folau says he is prepared to walk away from rugby without a fight and will put his religious beliefs first – as fellow football stars become embroiled in controversy after ‘liking’ the social media post that will likely end his career.
In his first interview since posting homophobic messages on Instagram on Wednesday, Folau wouldn’t back down and said he would be prepared to accept his fate from rugby authorities.
The Waratahs have stood the star Wallabies fullback down indefinitely while Rugby Australia is likely to rip up his lucrative four-year deal for a breach of contract.
Folau, 30, spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald after he and netball star wife Maria attended a church service in suburban Sydney.
Israel Folau and his wife Maria (middle left) were spotted meeting with Rugby Australia officials on Friday – but Folau says he will put his faith before his career
Israel Folau (pictured right) says he wouldn’t back down and said he would be prepared to accept his fate from rugby authorities
He said he would regard such a decision as ‘God’s will’.
‘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,’ Folau 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.’
Folau said his beliefs hadn’t been swayed by the waves of criticism directed at him.
Geelong Cats player Gary Ablett liked Folau’s homophobic post, before later removing his like from the photo
‘Absolutely not. 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.’
Folau described the days since his posts as ‘tough’ but said he wasn’t surprised and took comfort in what the bible says.
He says he feels love towards all the people who had vented a negative reaction.
Carlton midfielder Matthew Kennedy reportedly liked Folau’s homophobic post
The controversial player’s comments about his future come as players across two football codes were found to be among the 37,000 Instagram users who ‘liked’ Folau’s post.
Geelong Cats superstar Gary Ablett ‘liked’ the post, but later removed his like from the photo.
Carlton midfielder Matthew Kennedy also reportedly liked the post, along with Wallabies players Samu Kerevi and Allan Alaalatoa, according to The Herald Sun.
Both Ablett and Kennedy are also religious.
However the Cats weren’t made aware of Ablett’s support of the post, and didn’t order him to remove his like.
Geelong Cats player Gary Albett (pictured with his wife Jordan) reportedly ‘liked’ Folau’s controversial Instagram post – but later removed his like
Kennedy, 22, is a practising Catholic, and has previously said he feels ‘going to Mass is good for my spiritual development and makes me a more complete person’.
The post was condemned by Qantas, the Wallabies’ major sponsor.
It was previously reported that Folau would fight the attempts of Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Waratahs to sack him over the contents of his social media post.
Folau made an Instagram post on Wednesday which said gay people – and other perceived sinners – would go to hell unless they repented.
Wallabies player Samu Kerevi also reportedly liked the post
The 30-year-old, who holds strong Christian views, was warned last year for making similar comments on social media but escaped disciplinary action.
On this occasion, however, Rugby Australia announced it would cancel the lucrative four-year deal he signed in January.
It was also rumored that Folau could take legal action against the organisation if he were to be fired.
Wallabies player Allan Alaalatoa has also been embroiled in the controversy, after he reportedly ‘liked’ Folau’s post
One legal expert said he could make a claim against the organisation on the basis of his religion under the Fair Work Act.
Mark Fowler, an adjunct associate professor of law the University of Notre Dame, told The Sydney Morning Herald that RA would have to prove they were not terminating Folau’s contract because of his religion.
But Folau denied reports that he would consider taking legal action if Rugby Australia severed ties.
Israel Folau shared this post to his 325,000 followers on Wednesday, prompting national outrage