Israel Folau: Backing down would be ‘Satan’s’ work

Colin Newboult

Wallabies star Israel Folau leaves a Code of Conduct hearing in Sydney, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Folau appeared before a code of conduct hearing to fight Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract after he posted in mid-April on social media that gay people, along with other 'sinners' will face damnation unless they repent. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Australia full-back Israel Folau says that he has resisted the chance to double back on his recent controversial actions as it would be doing ‘Satan’s’ work.

The 73-times capped international was found to have contravened his contract last week following a code of conduct hearing into his social media post from April, which stated “hell awaits” gay people.

An independent panel is expected to announce this week whether it will uphold Rugby Australia’s decision to sack Folau over what was found to be a ‘high-level’ breach.

The 30-year-old was given an opportunity to show remorse during the hearing but decided against it and explained why in a church service on Sunday.

“There have been many opportunities to potentially make the situation a little bit easier,” he said. “I could go back and play the game, get everything back to the way it used to be.

“The way Satan works is he offers you stuff that could look good to the eye and makes you feel comfortable, and if you go down that path all the worries and troubles will go away. It is always the will of God that comes first.”

Folau could potentially be without a job by the end of the week and, with sponsors also deserting the 30-year-old, he will not have an income, but the ex-rugby league player is embracing the situation.

He added: “Potentially I could get terminated, which means that there’s no more playing contract and therefore no more finances or money coming in. It would be the first time it has happened to me in my life.

“All the materialistic things I have been able to have over the last number of years are slowly being taken away from me. It’s been really challenging but also it’s been encouraging to myself to see what my God is actually doing.”