He wrote on social media in 2018 that homosexuals would go to hell unless "they repent of their sins and turn to God" but rejected criticism that he was bigoted or homophobic.įolau's eventual termination in May 2019 opened a schism in the Wallabies camp, angering team mates who shared his Christian faith and Polynesian heritage. His faith-based views and preaching on social media proved divisive, however, with sponsors putting pressure on Rugby Australia.įolau drew criticism for expressing his opposition to gay marriage in 2017 after the government called a national plebiscite on legalising same-sex unions in Australia. He remains fourth on the Wallabies' all-time try-scoring list with 37, behind David Campese (64), Chris Latham (40) and Adam Ashley-Cooper (39). The case was settled out of court, with Rugby Australia and Folau issuing a joint statement and apology in late-2019.Ī latecomer to rugby union following a successful career in rugby league and a less impressive stint in Australian Rules football, Folau made his Wallabies debut against the British and Irish Lions in 2013, only months after his first Super Rugby match for the New South Wales Waratahs. The dual code international then sued governing body Rugby Australia for unlawful termination seeking A$14 million ($9.98 million) in damages.
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