Wallabies superstar Israel Folau has again created controversy on social media, after posting a seemingly homophobic Instagram comment.
Folau posted an image on Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday night in reference to his latest injury setback, comparing an individual's plan to God's plan.
Instagram user @mike_sephton commented on the image, writing: "@izzyfolau, what was gods (sic) plan for gay people??".
Folau replied: "HELL...Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God."
It's a comment that was picked up by Instagram users, with screenshots on Twitter highlighting the conversation.
The original comment has been deleted and though Folau's reply was still appearing on the instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, it too is believed to have been deleted.
It's the second time in less than a year that Folau has been in the middle of a social media storm around homophobia, last September tweeting his opposition to same-sex marriage.
I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage.✌❤🙏
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) September 13, 2017
Though some users supported Folau's views, he was by and large met with negative reactions across social media on Wednesday.
Gay rugby club, the Sydney Convicts, tweeted their disagreement with Folau's comment, but emphasised that rugby was not a homophobic sport on the whole.
Disappointing to see these comments from Israel but his statements do not reflect Rugby Unions attitude to gay people. @qantaswallabies @NSWWaratahs @pocockdavid and more are all allies of ours and our community https://t.co/7xfk3mB6wr
— sydneyconvicts (@sydneyconvicts) April 4, 2018
A Rugby Australia spokesperson said the organisation did not support Folau's views and they didn't reflect the views of Rugby Australia, which stands behind its 2014 Inclusion Policy.
That policy states:
"Rugby has and must continue to be a sport where players, officials, volunteers, supporters and administrators have the right and freedom to participate regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion and without fear of exclusion.
"There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game."
