Israel Folau stands by his anti-gay comments, escapes sanction from Australian rugby

He said he was willing to walk away from his contract over the issue...

Israel Folau has escaped sanction by Rugby Australia following his controversial comments on homosexuality two weeks ago. Writing for the sports website Players Voice on Monday night, Folau revealed that he said he offered to walk away from his contract and revealed that tension remains with the game’s administration over his comments. "After we’d all talked, I told Raelene if she felt the situation had become untenable – that I was hurting Rugby Australia, its sponsors and the Australian rugby community to such a degree that things couldn’t be worked through – I would walk away from my contract, immediately," said Folau, who is off contract at the end of the year. "At no stage over the past two weeks have I wanted that to happen.

RA Chief Executive Raelene Castle issued a statement on Tuesday saying the player would not face any sanction from her organisation.

"In his article, Israel clearly articulated his religious beliefs and why his faith is important to him and has provided context behind his social media comment," Castle said.

"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."

The controversy stemmed from a comment Folau made on Instagram about two weeks ago. Folau said on the social media platform that God's plan for gay people was "HELL... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God." https://twitter.com/GLove39/status/981209449879818245