Israel Folau has revealed Wallabies teammate David Pocock initiated their chat following his controversial comments about the gay community.
Despite the pair having very different world views, Folau doesn’t believe it will have any impact on or off the field as the Wallabies gear up to play Ireland in a three-Test series starting this weekend.
The NSW Waratahs star drew the ire of many in the sporting world following his Instagram comment that said God’s plan for gay people was “hell”.
He met with Rugby Australia, where he told boss Raelene Castle that he wouldn’t be backing down from his outspoken ways, but wasn’t reprimanded.
Pocock’s views on homosexuality couldn’t be more different after stating he wouldn’t marry his partner Emma until same-sex marriage was made legal in Australia.
Folau revealed the pair were “100 per cent” behind each other after talking during a meeting of Wallabies players on the Gold Coast in May.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika had previously mentioned the pair had spoken but didn’t go into any detail.
“There’s nothing personal towards each other,” Folau said in Brisbane on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him when (the Brumbies players in the Australian squad) get into camp.
“We’re both grown men and talk about things openly. We just had an open chat about our different beliefs.
“We respect each other. It doesn’t change the way we feel about each other.
“It won’t change anything when we step out onto the field. I’ll be there to cover him and same with him. We’re 100 per cent behind each other.”
Folau also said he is “more than happy” to speak to other teammates who have any questions about his beliefs.
“I think there’s a whole lot of respect in the team and that’s what I like about the team. We’re in it together as one,” Folau said.
“Everyone is from different backgrounds but we’re all one team and we try and achieve something on the footy field which is something special.”