Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua has no problem selecting Maria Folau in New Zealand's Netball World Cup squad, despite the controversy surrounding her husband Israel.
On Friday, Israel Folau had his multi-year contract worth millions with Rugby Australia torn up after taking to Instagram last month to proclaim "hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters".
Maria has never publicly shared the same views as her husband, but she appeared to support him last when Israel made his first controversial Instagram post about the LGBTQ community.
Israel said God's plan for gay people was "HELL... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God", and his wife responded by saying "Stand with God no matter what ... Don't be afraid to stand up for the truth, even if that means you will be standing alone."
Despite all the drama, Taurua told Stuff that she has no concerns about picking Folau when naming her World Cup squad on Thursday.
"I have no cause for concern at the moment," said Taurua.
"As long as she does what she needs to do out on court and is prepared as much as possible like anybody else, she's in the same [selection] boat.
"She's toiling away behind the scenes over here [in Australia]. She's learning a lot I know and being immersed in the Australian way will only be positive for her game."
However, Taurua did have a message for her players about the use of social media, especially in the UK where Folau's comments have caused plenty of debate.
"Like everything we've got to be clear what our strategy is moving forward in regards to communication and regards to social media.
"That's the given, I suppose. We're still in the throes of selection, and we will work to make sure we have the plans sorted as to what that is going into the worlds or over in England."
Silver Fern Folau, who has played for New Zealand 138 times, is currently playing in Australia's domestic netball competition with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
The 32-year-old hinted in a recent interview that she'll retire after the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, which runs from July 12-21.
Newshub.
