One of Australia's highest-profile rugby union players, Israel Folau, has again sparked controversy after posting a link on social media to a video that warns against "tolerance" of same-sex marriage.
The video posted to Twitter features an 11-minute sermon by late American evangelist David Wilkerson who warns of "sexual perversions beyond description" as images of people holding rainbow flags appear.
Folau tweeted the video on Tuesday along with a message stating his actions were motivated by love.
"With great love, I wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it," he said.
"Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart."
Folau took to Twitter again after the post to respond to a message from a fellow Christian critical of the video and his tweet, who requested apologies for the LGBTIQ+ and Christian communities.
The star ignored the request saying his message was a warning motivated by love.
"Warning people of eternal punishment if they continue to live in their sin isn't judgmental. It's called love," he said.
"I won't apologise for believing and following the word of God. May God open your eyes to what a true believer is. God bless!"
The evangelical video is called: "It's time to get right with God".
Wilkerson, who died in a car crash in 2011, had long preached about homosexuality as an abomination, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Rugby Australia opted not to sanction Folau in April after he used Instagram to suggest gay people would go to hell unless they repented their sin, despite sponsors, including Qantas, raising concerns over his anti-homosexual views.
Rugby Union player Israel Folau continues to express controversial views. Source: Reuters
Folau linked with Reds switch
Wallabies forward Ned Hanigan says he'd be shattered if Folau left the NSW Waratahs.
Off contract at the end of 2018, Folau has been linked to a move the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, where he grew up.
"I'd be immensely disappointed if he was going to leave because I like him as a guy, he's awesome on the field, he's a fellow that you want to give the ball to because he creates stuff. No-one can deny that," Hanigan said on Wednesday.
While the NSW Waratahs are desperate to retain the off-contract Wallabies superstar, speculation has emerged about a shift to their fiercest Super Rugby rivals.
The 29-year-old has held talks with Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn regarding a possible move next year, according to News Corp Australia.
The Reds become the latest club linked to Folau, after talk of a $1.4 million dollar deal from England's Sale Sharks and an NRL offer from Gold Coast Titans.
But there could be something in it if his relationships with key figures at the Waratahs have become strained, despite claims to the contrary from inside the franchise.
An incredulous tweet from Folau's wife Maria at the weekend suggested some discontent over Folau being used on the wing instead of his preferred fullback position.
Coach Daryl Gibson switched Folau to the wing earlier this season and, while he started at fullback in the narrow loss to the Blues on Saturday, he was shifted to the wing for the crucial closing stages as bench players arrived.
"OMG @NSWWaratahs why do you keep playing @IzzyFolau on the wing????," tweeted Maria Folau.
Folau has always maintained publicly that he's happy to play wherever asked and NSW assistant coach Chris Malone insisted on Monday that remained the case, saying there had been numerous discussions about it.
Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore on Tuesday attempted to hose down departure talk, issuing a short statement.
"Israel said publicly last week that contract negotiations are still ongoing with us and Rugby Australia," said Hore.
"As far as we are aware, reports of a move to another Super Rugby franchise is purely speculation.
"We have said before what value he brings to our team, and that has not changed."
