Low-key Folau returns to his church

Former Wallaby Israel Folau returned to his church on Sunday, keeping a low profile.

• Folau told he would go to hell if he deleted Instagram post
• Israel Folau was the winner in anti-gay controversy

Israel Folau’s controversial Instagram post which said hell awaits homosexuals unless they repent helped Prime Minister Scott Morrison win the federal election, a member of his church told a congregation on Sunday.

The rugby player sought solace at his father’s church in northwest Sydney after Rugby Australia ripped up his contract on May 27.

Israel Folau at the Kenthurst Uniting Church last month. Picture: Hollie Adams/The Australian

Folau did not address the congregation but another member took to the stand and said the code-hopper’s posts on social media helped sway the federal election.

“Before the election, the Opposition was the favourite to win,” he said.

“In the last minute, Israel’s comment swayed the election vote for a Christian, Scott Morrison.”

Folau arrived late to the 2pm service at The Truth of Jesus Christ Church, in Kenthurst.

After a series of hymns, an elderly man took the microphone and urged the group to pray for Folau as God told him to post the message, which got him sacked.

“God is using a man in a spiritual situation. God told him to put this on social media with love,” he said. “It was straight from the gospel, it was the truth. God is using this young man to spread his word to the whole word.”

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Folau looked relaxed as he arrived with his father, and founder of the church, Eni Folau.

Folau Sr started the church after a dispute with Hillsong pastor Brian Houston, where the family formerly went.

On arrival, the former rugby league player shook hands with a number of young men before joking with a young boy.

He sang along to hymns while carrying his bible at the small brick church.

However, about 30 minutes into the service Folau left his seat at the back of the church to go to a private room.

Folau's father Eni Folau at the church on Sunday.

Shortly afterwards, a young man asked The Daily Telegraph reporter to leave the church, despite being invited to the service by assistant pastor John Tupou.

Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia for a high-level breach of their code of conduct in April.

Israel Folau was desperate not to be seen or photographed during his visit to the church.

He spent the majority of the three-hour long service tucked in the back of the building.

Members of the congregation went to extreme lengths to hide the sacked player.

Another man, about Folau’s size, wore a hooded jacket, completely hiding his face, and walked to Folau’s family car.

Meantime, the actual Folau walked out to a white sedan, driven by a P-player, while covering his face with a hooded jacket.

Israel Folau of Australia scores a try during the Quilter International match between England and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on November 24, 2018. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images