Beale worried about Folau's 'head space'

Kurtley Beale is concerned about Israel Folau’s “head space” as the row over his anti-LGBT comments on social media heads towards a resolution.

Folau was issued a breach notice by Rugby Australia (RA) last week in the aftermath of a controversial anti-homosexual post.

The Wallabies utility back, who was also stood down by Super Rugby side Waratahs, is contesting the notice, and a code of conduct hearing to determine whether RA’s intent to terminate Folau’s contract can be upheld will take place on May 4.

Australia and Waratahs team-mate Beale expressed concern but says the disciplinary proceedings must be allowed to run their course.

“There’s obviously a bit of process going on now,” he said ahead of the Tahs’ Super Rugby clash against the Sharks on Saturday.

“Obviously it goes through the code of conduct [hearing].

“I guess as a mate you just worry about his head space and you hope that he’s okay there. Our full focus shifts now to the game on the weekend for us as a team.

“As a squad, we did that last week and it’s important that we continue that and keep building on the progress that we had last week.

“So it is what it is and we’ve just got to let the process kind of take over now.”

Folau was warned over his conduct by RA last year after stating homosexuals would go to “hell” unless they “repent their sins and turn to God”.

The 30-year-old again put forward his interpretation of his devout Christianity this month after the Tasmanian Parliament passed legislation to make gender optional on birth certificates and allow people aged 16 and older to legally change gender without parental consent.

On Instagram, Folau posted an image stating: “Warning: Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolaters – Hell awaits you. Repent. Only Jesus Saves.”

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