People have noticed a significant change in Israel Folau lately. They became concerned when they learned he was baptising people in his own backyard.

Folau’s devotion to his church has ramped up since his Instagram comment a year ago that “gays will go to hell if they don’t repent on their sins”. The furore only strengthened his faith and his resolve.

On the outer: Rugby Australia has came down hard on Israel Folau (pictured on Friday) for yet another inflammatory social media post. Credit:Nine News

His increasing fanaticism has been noticed by his teammates, some of whom he’s tried to entice to the flock. It has been noticed by his coaches at all levels.

According to those people, Folau’s Instagram warning on Wednesday that all “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” were going to hell if they didn’t repent was merely an expression of what he truly believes.