Rugby player Israel Folau has spoken about the controversy that followed his anti-gay remarks earlier this year saying that he considered quitting the sport, but ultimately came to enjoy the response his remarks triggered.
Speaking to reporters in Japan ahead of the Bledisloe Cup game against New Zealand, Folau said he was committed to the game. He recently signed a new contract that sees him locked into playing with the Australian team through to 2022.
It’s a bit of a rollercoaster year for me, more so off the field with what’s been happening,” Folau said.
“But, to be quite honest, it might sound a bit crazy, but I kind of really enjoyed what was happening off the field, not that it happened on purpose.
“But my identity is based around my faith in God and I truly believe that from deep down inside what was happening off the field, even though it was challenging and it was hard, it was actually moulding me into the person in becoming stronger and it actually taught me a lot of things that I needed to learn, and I’m still learning now.
“Obviously a lot of people will say negative things about what was happening, but it taught me to actually love and forgive them for obviously not agreeing and that’s something that I’ve learnt to take on.” the rugby player said.
Folau sparked the controversy when he responded to a question from a fan. In his response the rugby player said gay people would go to hell unless they repent their sins.
In his latest interview the player said he regretted that he had so many tattoos now that his religious convictions had grown.
OIP Staff
