Controversial Wallabies star Israel Folau was once a poster boy for the world’s biggest gay rugby tournament – the Bingham Cup.
In 2014, the 30-year-old appeared on the cover of the Star Observer under the headline: “Big Boys And Their Balls”.
At the time, a spokesperson for the Bingham Cup applauded the professional rugby player for being a “strong advocate for ending all forms of discrimination in spot”.
Much needed reminder from the Sydney Star Observer that in 2014, Israel Folau was the Poster Boy for the fantastic Gay Rugby World Cup help in Sydney… the Sydney Convicts won! 🏉 🌈
The only Silverware the Men of Rugby have had for decades! pic.twitter.com/myZs761UQj
— Nicky Williamson 🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏 (@NickyWill100) April 11, 2019
The revelation comes days after Folau posted a meme that read: “WARNING Drunks Homosexuals Adulterers Liars Fornicators Thieves Atheists Idolaters, HELL AWAITS YOU. REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES before adding a bible verse from Galatians.
He went on to personally add: “Those who are living in sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him”.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the 30-year-old has expressed his homophobic views.
In 2017, the rugby star tweeted that he didn’t condone same-sex marriage. It came a day after the Wallabies publicly backed the Yes camp by unveiling a rainbow wallaby logo.
“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract,” Rugby Australia said in a statement.
“Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport.”
The Australian Family Coalition is backing Folau, while #IStandByFolau is quickly gaining traction on social media.
