Billy Vunipola Defends 'Liking' Israel Folau's Controversial Instagram Post

England and Saracens back-row Billy Vunipola has taken to Instagram to defend his decision to 'like' Israel Folau's controversial social media post.

Earlier this week, Rugby Australia confirmed they intend to terminate Israel Folau’s contract following an anti-gay social media post.

The 30-year-old posted an image to Instagram this week saying that for gay people, "hell awaits you". It is not the first time that the Australian international has expressed such an opinion.

Now Vunipola has defended the post and explained his own stance.

He’s saying how we live our lives needs to be closer to how God intended them to be. Man was made for woman to pro create that was the goal no?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

So this morning I got 3 phone calls from people telling me to ‘unlike’ the @izzyfolau post. This is my position on it. I don’t HATE anyone neither do I think I’m perfect. There just comes a point when you insult what I grew up believing in that you just say enough is enough, what he’s saying isn’t that he doesn’t like or love those people. He’s saying how we live our lives needs to be closer to how God intended them to be. Man was made for woman to pro create that was the goal no? I’m not perfect I’m at least everything on that list at least at one point in my life. It hurts to know that. But that’s why I believe there’s a God. To guide and protect us and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

A post shared by Billy Vunipola (@vunipola_billy) on Apr 12, 2019 at 2:27am PDT

Following a meeting with Folau earlier today, Rugby Australia released a new statement.

Our joint position regarding Israel Folau is unchanged. As the meeting was held in confidence between the player and his employers, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will not comment on the discussions at the meeting.

Following today’s meeting, the two organisations will update their respective boards on the matter to consider next steps.

SEE ALSO: Rugby Australia To Terminate Israel Folau Contract Following Anti-Gay Posts