Israel Folau breaks silence on ‘gays to hell’ backlash, addresses rugby union future

CONTROVERSIAL Wallabies star Israel Folau has addressed media for the first time since his “gays to hell” comment sparked a massive backlash in the rugby and wider sporting community.

DEFIANT and proud, Israel Folau declared he’ll never back down from his Christian beliefs regarding homosexuality, but added that the furore of the past month has not dented his desire to remain in rugby union.

Folau said he remains the same person that his teammates have known for years despite the immense backlash he’s received since saying gays were destined for hell, based on his belief in Biblical scriptures, and he will not be backing down on those views.

“I’ve said what I’ve said in recent weeks, for personally, just standing up for what I believe and standing firm on that,” Folau said.

Israel Folau was all smiles before addresses the media. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“That’s something that comes truly from the bottom of my heart, it doesn’t interfere with anything to do with my rugby and the guys around, teammates, I’m still the same person and I try to bring that energy as best as I can when I’m around the team.

“Going out and playing on weekends doesn’t change who I am.”

Folau was put up for media on Thursday after being named to return for the Waratahs’ match against the Blues on Saturday at Brookvale Oval.

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It will be his first match in a month after overcoming a hamstring strain, and was the first time reporters had the chance to quiz him since he made his controversial remarks.

Folau said he wasn’t fazed by the angry response to his remarks, including from rival players such as All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara.

“Absolutely not, I don’t take anything personally,” Folau said.

“I understand everyone is entitled to their opinions, I’ve said what I’ve said in recent weeks, I leave it there.

Israel Folau prepares to defend his beliefs. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I stand firm in what I believe in, and that’s from something personal with who I am, but it’s got nothing personal to do with anyone, teammates or anyone who is involved in the game.

“I’m the same person, and I hope I can portray that by being around the team and trying to play the best rugby that I can.”

Rugby Australia did not sanction Folau for his comments despite the outrage of some sponsors and fans, given he was expressing his religious beliefs.

Gosford Anglican Church’s bipartisan sign.

Off-contract at the end of this season, Folau said the dramas of the past month would not affect his decision on whether to remain in Australian rugby.

“Absolutely not, it’s nothing personal,” Folau said.

“You’re an adult, you’ve got to clear those things up and look at what are the main things out of it.

“You can’t hold grudges, you can’t take anything personal, I’ve been fine with how everything has rolled out the last month.

“I’m just looking ahead to playing rugby at the moment. In terms of contract talks, it’s something my management deal with, they’re working behind the scenes to deal with that.

Israel Folau has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury.

“In recent weeks everything has been going on but I’ve been in good stead, been in good shape physically trying to get myself right to get back out on the field.

“It’s been a great opportunity for me to grow and to learn.

“The most important thing for me is getting back out on the field on Saturday, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to with obviously what’s been happening in the last month.”

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Originally published as Israel Folau breaks silence on ‘gays to hell’ backlash, addresses rugby union future