Rugby Australia has decided not to sanction Israel Folau for his online comments that gay people were going to hell unless they repented.
Chief executive Raelene Castle has warned Australian Super Rugby players to be respectful on social media.
Rugby Australia’s introduced a policy four years ago which said: “There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words both on and off the field must reflect this.”
Folau, who was born to Tongan parents in New south Wales, is Australia’s highest profile rugby player and has played 62 tests,.
He is off contract at the end of this season.
Last October he tweeted his belief on same-sex marriage, saying: “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”
Born to Tongan parents in New South Wales, Folau has had a spectacular rugby career, but like many young players could not cope with the pressures of success and began to suffer from depression.
He drank heavily and in the end there was only so much support his family and friends could give him.
He said that when things were at their worst he turned to God and found the peace he needed.
In 2016 Folau and fellow player Manu Vatuvei led a revival tour, the Road to Redemption.
The main points
- Rugby Australia has decided not to sanction Israel Folau for his online comments that gay people were going to hell unless they repented.
- Chief executive Raelene Castle has warned Australian Super Rugby players to be respectful on social media.
- Last October tweeted his belief on same-sex marriage, saying: “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”
For more information
Footballer Folau found peace, but depression and suicide still stalk young rugby players
