Frustration after Folau gay talk

WALLABIES star Israel Folau conceded his comments about gays being destined for hell were disrespectful but gave no guarantees to Rugby Australia that he would refrain from posting further inflammatory remarks on social media.

It’s left Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs frustrated, with their biggest star leaving a meeting yesterday giving no clear resolution to the controversy that has plagued rugby for the past week.

Folau, 29, will not back down from his Christian beliefs but Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and Waratahs counterpart Andrew Hore had hoped to get a commitment from him that he’d steer clear of repeating the anti-gay comments.

Instead, Folau was adamant that he will continue to stand up for his beliefs despite the outrage its caused, and the parties agreed to meet again soon to iron out the complex navigation between free speech and ostracising a section of the community.

“Even Israel acknowledged that maybe he could have put a positive spin on that same message and done it in a less disrespectful way,” Castle said.

“He certainly understands that he has caused some people some grief through this process.”