An Australian rugby player has been put in the sin bin after he made an “anti-gay” statement on social media.
Rugby Australia on Thursday said it now intends to terminate superstar Israel Folau’s contract, throwing the Wallabies’ World Cup plans into disarray.
Chief executive, Raelene Castle, said officials had not been able to reach the fullback since his Instagram post claiming “hell awaits” gays.
“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract,” the statement said.
Folau is Super Rugby’s all-time top try-scorer and had been considered crucial for the Wallabies’ hopes at this year’s World Cup in Japan.
But, as a devout Christian, his religious views have landed him in hot water with Rugby Australia and sponsors.
On Wednesday, the 30-year-old posted an Instagram banner that read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators - hell awaits you.”
He captioned it: “Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent.”
Israel Folau's post
Castle said in a joint statement with New South Wales Rugby that “whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport”.
Folau recently signed a multi-season, multi-million dollar contract.
Wallabies team sponsor, Qantas, has also expressed its displeasure at the comments.
The airline, whose CEO Alan Joyce is gay, said Folau’s post “clearly doesn’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support”.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, said the comments were “damaging” from someone many consider to be a role model.
Folau has gained notoriety for his love of anti-gay artwork.
Shortly after getting married in September 2017, he tweeted: “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”