Friday 4 May 2018 10:55, UK
Israel Folau says he has no regrets about saying gay people would go to "hell" and holds no grudges against his critics as he prepares for a return to Super Rugby.
The Australia international, sidelined from the Waratahs with a hamstring injury since late March, has been selected to face the Blues in Sydney on Saturday.
Folau, a devout Christian, previously denied claims he is homophobic following the public backlash to anti-gay remarks made on his social media last month, saying they "could not be further from the truth",
Despite the criticism, he has refused to back down from his staunch beliefs regarding homosexuality, and insists the public's response has not diminished his desire to play.
"I've said what I've said in recent weeks, for personally, just standing up for what I believe and standing firm on that," said Folau.
"That's something that comes truly from the bottom of my heart, it doesn't interfere with anything to do with my rugby and the guys around, team-mates. I'm still the same person and I try to bring that energy as best as I can when I'm around the team.
"Going out and playing on weekends doesn't change who I am."
Folau said he was not upset by the angry response to his remarks, notably from New Zealand's TJ Perenara and Brad Weber.
"Absolutely not, I don't take anything personally," Folau added. "I understand everyone is entitled to their opinions. I've said what I've said in recent weeks, I leave it there."
Rugby Australia did not sanction Folau for his comments despite the outrage of some sponsors and fans, given he was expressing his religious beliefs.
Folau, who is out of contract at the end of this season and has been linked with a move to rugby league, said the furore would not affect any decision on his future.
"Absolutely not, it's nothing personal," he said. "You're an adult, you've got to clear those things up and look at what are the main things out of it.
"You can't hold grudges, you can't take anything personal. I've been fine with how everything has rolled out the last month."
