EDWARDS WELCHES ON WIGAN
ISRAEL FOLAU remains unrepentant about the homophobic comments that have ended his international career and declared: “I live for God now.”
Rugby Australia is pressing ahead with plans to terminate his contract after its integrity unit ruled Folau committed a “high-level breach of the professional players’ code of conduct”.
The full-back posted on his Instagram account last week that “hell awaits” for “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators”.
Folau, Australia’s most dangerous attacking weapon, refuses to retract the remarks, which have been “liked” by a number of other players, including England No.8 Billy Vunipola.
“Whatever His will is, whether that’s to continue playing or not, I’m more than happy to do what He wants me to do,” said Folau, who is a SHAUN EDWARDS claimed he made a U-turn on joining Wigan as head coach as he is not experienced enough.
Edwards (right) was unveiled last August with a fanfare by Warriors as their new boss for 2020, with Adrian Lam taking temporary charge this year.
Chairman Ian Lenagan, who made the mistake of only getting a handshake agreement with Edwards, said: “I Christian. “I’ll stand on what the Bible says. First and foremost, I live for God now. Whatever He wants me to do, I believe His plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that’s not to continue on playing, so be it.
“Obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I’ll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first.”
Folau, 30, was warned a year ago about antigay comments on social media. His Test career now looks over after 73 caps.
Asked recently if he would pick Folau with the World Cup starting in September, Australia coach Michael Cheika said: “You wouldn’t be able to.
“When you play in the gold jersey we represent everyone in Australia, everyone.”
Vunipola’s club Saracens have warned their star about his behaviour but he said: “My intention was never to cause suffering.’’
I’ll stand on what the Bible says. First & foremost, I live for God now
wish him well whatever he does next.” Edwards, who is expected to stay with Wales Rugby Union, said: “I feel Warriors need a more experienced head coach than me.” Challenge Cup 6th Round draw: Salford v Hull KR, Dewsbury v Halifax, Warrington v Wigan, Bradford v Leeds, Huddersfield v St Helens, Hull v Castleford, Catalans v Doncaster, Wakefield v Widnes. Ties to be held weekend of May 9-12.