Famous Latter-day Saints

LDS Rugby Player Who Turned Down $1 Million for a Mission Now Refusing to Play on Sundays

27860.jpg

“It really isn’t a sacrifice because the blessings we receive are greater than anything given up,” William Hopoate said, sharing his incredible testimony through his actions. Hopoate is a professional rugby player and his decision not to play on Sundays could seriously impact his future career.

0:00 / 0:00
Video Companion

William Hopoate’s decision to decline a million-dollar rugby contract in 2011 so he could serve an LDS mission received national media coverage in Australia. This week, Hopoate is again making headlines for his beliefs, this time for his decision not to play games on Sundays.

Sunday's cover of The Daily Telegraph featured Hopoate’s decision not to play games on the Sabbath.

Hopoate, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plays for the Canterbury–Bankstown Bulldogs; the team is ranked first in the National Rugby League. Hopoate’s decision means he will miss rounds 10, 11 and 12 of the NRL season and, if the Bulldogs make the NRL grand final, he will also miss that game.

Lead image from Deseret News.
Share
Stay in the loop!
Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content