Rugby: Waratah coach Daryl Gibson conceds Israel Folau's playing future remains up in the air

Israel Folau of the Waratahs. Photo / AAP Image

NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson concedes Israel Folau's playing future remains up in the air after the Wallabies fullback doubled down on his controversial comments on homosexuality.

Gibson says he isn't involved in talks to decide Folau's future following the publishing of an article addressing the fallout from his controversial online commentary about gay people.

Folau used a Players' Voice column to further voice his strong religious beliefs after posting on Instagram two weeks ago that gays were headed for "HELL" unless they repent their sins and turn to God.

The code-hopping superstar also said he was prepared to walk away from rugby if asked to by chief executive Raelene Castle, who he criticised for misrepresenting his comments in a press conference shortly after their meeting last week to discuss his social media conduct.

Gibson on Tuesday described Folau's column as "balanced" and said it gave a greater understanding of the 29-year-old's perspective.

But with the three-times John Eales Medallist off contract at the end of 2018, Gibson says it's up to Rugby Australia to try to retain his services, not the Waratahs.

"I can't talk for Rugby Australia. He certainly made it clear on his position," Gibson said when asked if Folau would remain in rugby.

"That's not for me to decide. I know those discussions are ongoing and the dialogue between Rugby Australia and Israel is continuing and there hasn't been a time frame put on those discussions.

"Those are questions for Rugby Australia."

Gibson, though, said the Waratahs were hopeful the 29-year-old would not walk from the 15-man code.

"We want Israel to stay in rugby. That's the first thing," he said.

"He enjoys the game and so our immediate concerns are making sure he stays in rugby and that he's happy here.

"What I think is irrelevant. Israel made it really clear that what he expressed aren't the views of Rugby Australia or the Waratahs and they are his specific views.

"He's made that really clear and he made it really clear where they came from and why those beliefs are so dear to him and why he's articulating them."

-AAP