Chiefs scrumhalf Brad Weber has become the first player to publicly criticise Israel Folau over his stance on homosexuality.
Folau avoided any sanction from Rugby Australia over a controversial Instagram comment, in which he said God's plan for gay people was "HELL...unless they repent their sins and turn to God."
He followed that post up with a column for PlayersVoice on Monday night, explaining his beliefs and more details about a meeting with Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle and NSW Rugby CEO Andrew Hore.
Folau has had plenty of support from teammates, including fellow Wallabies Curtis Rona and Samu Kerevi and former internationals Wycliff Palu and Radike Samo, but Weber is the first current player to really criticise Folau's comments.
Weber, who has played one Test for the All Blacks, wrote, "Kinda sick of us players staying quiet on some of this stuff. I can't stand that I have to play this game that I love with people, like Folau, who say (sic) what he's saying.
"My cousin and her partner, and my Aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring & loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me."
My cousin and her partner, and my Aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring & loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me. 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
— Brad Weber (@brad_weber9) April 17, 2018
Rugby Australia issued a statement on Tuesday, clearing Folau of any disciplinary breaches, deeming his comment was not made to intentionally hurt people.
The national body and Folau are currently negotiating his future in the sport, with the NRL and overseas rugby clubs interested in the star back.
