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'I will miss rugby' - Israel Folau breaks silence
By Online Editors
Israel Folau says he will miss rugby but is prepared to walk away from the sport without a fight for the sake of his faith.
In his first interview since posting homophobic messages on social media on Wednesday, Folau wouldn't back down on his actions 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 spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald after he and netball star wife Maria attended a church service in suburban Sydney.
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The 30-year-old denied reports that he would consider taking legal action if Rugby Australia severed ties.
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.
"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.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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