England star in hot water over controversial Israel Folau support

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.

“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.”

RFU and Saracens condemn Vunipola

England’s Rugby Football Union issued a statement to stress that they did not share these views.

“Rugby is an inclusive sport, and we do not support these views. We will be meeting with Billy to discuss his social media posts,” a spokesperson said.

His club Saracens also plan to take action.

A Saracens statement read: “Saracens proudly embraces diversity and warmly welcomes everyone to the club regardless of race, gender, religion and sexual orientation.

“Our sport is open to all and we strive for it to be free from all forms of discrimination.

“We recognise that people have different belief systems and we expect everyone to be treated equally with respect and humility.

“As representatives and role models Saracens players have a responsibility not only to themselves but to the club and wider society.

“Billy Vunipola’s recent social media posts are inconsistent with this and we take this matter very seriously. It will be handled internally.”