England rugby star Billy Vunipola shows support for Israel Folau homophobic posts
England's star back-rower Billy Vunipola could face sanctions after he appeared to back an Instagram post published by Israel Folau in which the Wallabies full-back made homophobic remarks.
Folau said on Wednesday that "hell awaits" homosexuals in comments that have resulted in Rugby Australia stating they plan to terminate his contract.
In an apparent show of support to his fellow Christian, Vunipola has declared in his own Instagram post that "Man was made for woman to pro create that was the goal no?"
However, England's number eight added: "I don't HATE anyone".
Vunipola could face disciplinary action from the Rugby Football Union in response to the anti-gay position outlined in his post.
"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," the Saracens back row said.
"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.
England's Billy Vunipola during the training session at Twickenham AAP
"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."
Vunipola found himself in hot water last month when he was forced to apologise to England coach Eddie Jones for breaching team protocol after a drinking session led to him arriving late to the team hotel following the team's draw with Scotland.
Vunipola was out until the early hours with former NRL star Ben Te’o, who also had to apologise for the breach.
- with AAP
