Wallabies star Israel Folau escapes ARU sanction

NSW Waratahs & Wallabies full-back Israel Folau has escaped an ARU sanction after clarifying his controversial remarks on homosexuality in a column on Monday night.

Folau wrote a lengthy piece on a sports website Player's Voice, where he addressed the fallout from his Instagram comments and reiterated his deep religious convictions.

The former NRL star said his “faith is far more important” to him than his career and offered to walk away from his contract with Australian Rugby Union, if his position became untenable.

In the article, Folau criticised ARU CEO Raelene Castle for 'misrepresenting his position' at a press conference following their meeting on Tuesday last week.

“In his article, Israel clearly articulated his religious beliefs and why his faith is important to him and has provided context behind his social media comment," Castle told Fairfax Media.

"In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel’s position.

“Rugby Australia will use this experience as an opportunity to remind all employees of their obligation to use social media in a respectful way.”

Folau is out of contract at the end of this season and dismissed claims that the controversial social media comments were designed to ensure he got a release in order to move back to rugby league.

“This is not about money or bargaining power or contracts. It’s about what I believe in and never compromising that, because my faith is far more important to me than my career and always will be,” he said.