Steve Diamond denies Folau links

English Premiership side Sale Sharks have rejected suggestions that they were in the running to sign Australian fullback Israel Folau, following the fallout over his comments over homosexuality.

Since then, the star fullback has hinted that he could walk away from Australian rugby altogether, with Sale mooted as a possible destination after the Rugby Paper reported a $1.5 per year deal was on the table.

However, Sale Sharks coach Steve Diamond has responded emphatically to those suggestions his side are interested in Folau.

"We don't want to be associated with that," Diamond told The Sun. 

With Folau's contract with Australian Rugby up at the end of the current season, the superstar would have no shortage of offers at home or abroad, with a return to the NRL also mooted in recent weeks.

Full story via tvnz.co.nz