NSW ‘considering next steps’ after Folau meeting

Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have met with Israel Folau following his latest controversial social media posts.

The Australia and Waratahs full-back sparked outrage with his opinions on homosexuality and gender earlier this week. He had avoided punishment for similar statements last year.

Rugby Australia responded with a statement, revealing that it had not been able to contact Folau about the “unacceptable” comments.

The union added that it planned to sack the player “in the absence of compelling mitigating factors”.

A meeting with Folau followed on Friday and the NSW Rugby Union stated that the discussion would be relayed to board members to “consider next steps” but its position “is unchanged”.

“Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union have met with Israel Folau in Sydney today,” a statement read.

Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union have met with Israel Folau in Sydney today.

Updates: https://t.co/y6fTIbOimc

— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) April 12, 2019

“As the meeting was held in confidence between the player and his employers, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will not comment on the discussions at the meeting.

“Following today’s meeting, the two organisations will update their respective boards on the matter to consider next steps. Our joint position regarding Israel Folau is unchanged.”

Folau posted a message on Instagram that stated “hell awaits” drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters along with “REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES”.

He added: “Those that are living in sin will end up in hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.”

Folau also caused a stir with his stance on the passing of legislation in Tasmania that makes gender optional on birth certificates and allows people 16 years and older to legally change gender without parental contest.

He tweeted: “The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free.”

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta