Wallabies star Israel Folau has again taken to social media to express his Christian beliefs, tweeting a YouTube video link from late American Evangelist David Wilkerson that may again raise eyebrows at Rugby Australia.
In a move that shows he clearly won't be silenced, Folau tweeted the video with the words: "With great love I wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart."
Wilkerson's video is an 11-minute sermon entitled "It's time to get right with God" that includes multiple references and visual imagery about homosexuality, and describes "tolerance" as the key word in modern-day society, particularly among young people. According to Wilkerson, those "tolerance" beliefs are misguided.
With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart https://t.co/PtDoPCQDco
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) May 7, 2018
After taking aim at the acceptance of homosexuality in modern times, Wilkerson says: "It's time to get right with God as Jesus is coming very soon. He's at the door."
Folau was hauled before Rugby Australia last month after he responded to an Instagram post in which he was asked about the plight of gay people. Folau replied by saying they would end up in "HELL" unless they "repented on their sins".
After meeting with Rugby Australia, Folau penned a column for Players Voice in which he said he would walk away from rugby if administrators thought he was doing the game harm. The Waratahs fullback also took aim at Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle and the fashion in which she had aired some of the dialogue from her meeting with Folau.
Rugby Australia then chose not to sanction Folau, Castle saying: "In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel's position."
Meanwhile, Folau is rumoured to be entertaining a move north and a switch to Queensland Reds. The Daily Telegraph reports Folau has held preliminary discussions with Reds coach Brad Thorn.
Off contract at the end of the year, Folau will also attract offers from overseas rugby clubs while a return to the NRL also cannot be ruled out with several clubs rumoured to be interested in bringing the code-hopper back to rugby league.