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Israel Folau avoids sanction by Rugby Australia over social media post

Israel Folau Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Israel Folau will not be sanctioned by Rugby Australia (RA) for his controversial stance on homosexuality.

RA boss Raelene Castle has been satisfied by a column in which the Wallabies star reiterated his religious convictions after claiming gay people were destined for hell unless they repent their "sins".

"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," Castle said in a statement on Tuesday.

In his article on Players' Voice, Folau said he would walk away from rugby altogether if he was forced to compromise his religious beliefs in any way.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson, meanwhile, backed Folau's response, describing his response as a "very balanced article".

"We were aware that he wanted to get out and give people further understanding of his position and where that comes from," Gibson said.

"What I think is irrelevant, Israel made it really clear what he expressed aren't the views of Rugby Australia or the Waratahs and they are his specific views, and he's made that really clear.

"He made it really clear where those beliefs are so dear to him and why he's articulating them."

Folau's contract is up at the end of the year with discussions on his future, at this stage, having no timeline.

Gibson said the Waratahs had made their intention to retain the Wallabies superstar clear, and were hopeful he would continue his six-year stint at Moore Park. The Test veteran is rumoured to be interested in an NRL return and could also command big money in European or Japanese rugby.

"We want Israel to stay in rugby, that's the first thing," Gibson said. "He enjoys the game and so our immediate concerns are that he stays in rugby and he's happy here."

Folau is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury after coming off early in the Waratahs' Super Rugby victory over the Brumbies on Easter Saturday.