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Folau ordered to meet Australian Rugby CEO over 'homophobic' comments

By Peter Thompson
Australia back Israel Folau and head coach Michael Cheika

Israel Folau was on Thursday summoned to meet Australian rugby bosses after stating homosexuals should go to "hell".

The Australia full-back, a devout Christian, courted controversy once again with a comment made on Instagram.

Folau expressed his opposition of Australia's decision to legalise same-sex marriage last year and is in the spotlight again following a social media post made on Wednesday.

The Waratahs flyer uploaded a graphic of 'God's plan', which one user replied to by asking what God's plan was for gay people?

Folau replied: "HELL... Unless they repent their sins and turn to God."

The 29-year-old deleted the comment, but has been ordered to meet Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and New South Wales Rugby CEO Andrew Hore.

Castle said in a statement: "Israel's comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of Rugby Australia or NSW Rugby.

"We are aligned in our view that rugby is a game for all, regardless of sexuality, race, religion or gender, which is clearly articulated in Rugby's inclusion policy.

"We understand that Israel's comment has upset a number of people and we will discuss the matter with him as soon as possible."