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Adam Davy/PA Wire
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'My faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first': Israel Folau says he'll quit rugby if God wants him to

by Eno Adeogun

Folau's employers said his post (below) breached their Professional Players' Code of Conduct.

However, the sportsman has said he stands by his comments.

The 30-year-old's post read: "Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters - hell awaits you!"

Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, the fullback said the row erupted over his comments has not prompted him to change his stance.

"First and foremost, I live for God now," he said in his first interview since the controversy over his recent comments began.

"His plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that's not to continue playing, so be it.

Israel Folau/Instagram

"In saying that, 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.

"In Ezekiel, chapter 33, verse 11, it says that 'God has no pleasure in the person that's living in sin'

"He's a loving God and he wants people to turn away from what they're living in and he'll give them life. That's the message I'm trying to share, even though it comes across as harsh.

"I can't change what the word of God says. As we heard today, those that live for Christ will be persecuted for his name.

"I have love towards everyone that might be saying negative things. I choose to love them because God loves me." 

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