Wallabies back Israel Folau has revealed he and same-sex marriage proponent and team-mate David Pocock spoke to ensure there were no hard feelings following his controversial 'No Vote' tweet.
Israel Folau of the Wallabies. Photo: Getty
Folau created a social media storm last month when in the midst of the federal government's postal vote over the issue, he wrote on Twitter he "will not support gay marriage" in line with his religious beliefs.
His views were at odds with the Australian Rugby Union and Pocock, who has previously refused to marry his fiancee Emma Palandri until same-sex marriage is legalised in the country.
Pocock, who is currently taking time away from the Australian team to study, took to Twitter just hours after Folau's tweet to confirm he would ".VoteYes for justice and love".
But the Wallabies fullback said the two touched base in the immediate aftermath of their tweets to express their mutual respect for each other's opinions.
"I've spoken to Dave briefly during that week," Folau said.
"We both respect each other and it was nice for me to hear a message from Dave.
"Outside of that I respect everyone's opinions. But for me, Dave's a team-mate of mine and I really enjoy playing alongside him.
"Those things aside, it's not judgemental or anything, it doesn't affect me. Everything is all good from my end."
Folau's tweet attracted more than 4500 responses, and drew a severe backlash from a number of his followers.
But when quizzed on the matter ahead of the Wallabies' clash with the Barbarians on Saturday, Folau said he had no regrets over his stance.
"No, definitely not," he said.
"I stand alongside what I said on that time and I've left it there. I stay true to myself and what I believe in.
"I thought about all the things that could happen afterwards, and that's fine for me, I respect everyone and everyone's opinions which is all good."
Folau will take time away from the game following Saturday's match, skipping next month's tour of Japan and Europe.
He dodged questions on whether he would use the time to marry his fiancee and Silver Ferns star Maria Tutaia, but said the outcome of the same-sex marriage vote wouldn't affect any of his plans in the way it has Pocock's.
"It definitely hasn't changed around my personal relationship with my fiancee," he said.
"It hasn't really affected me at all. That won't change too much for me. I'm just really enjoying playing my rugby and life outside of that."
- AAP
