Billy Vunipola reiterates his 'support' of Israel Folau

Wednesday, 19 August 2020 at 16:34

bySteven Smith

England rugby star Billy Vunipola has doubled down on his support for Israel Folau's controversial Instagram post.

The number eight was summoned to talks by the RFU last year after he liked a social media post by the Australia full-back and fellow devout Christian Folau, who stated that “hell awaits” for “homosexuals”.

"I could easily have been: ‘I’m not going to support this.’ I didn’t sleep for two or three days after I saw [Folau's] post because something inside me was saying: ‘Do you actually believe in Jesus Christ or do you not?’" said Vunipola, reflecting on the incident on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast.

"I didn’t enjoy being ridiculed but at the same time what I did find comforting is that I stood up for my faith and I didn’t just fall by the wayside.

"[Now] I wouldn’t go about it the same way. I’d talk to whoever had any questions.

"If it happened again now and I was asked: ‘Billy, do you stand in support of it?’ I would have to say yes because I’ve made my position clear."

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