Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas and English prop Joe Marler have hit back at Israel Folau after the Wallabies fullback's latest anti-gay social media comments.
Gareth Thomas. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Folau is facing calls to be dropped after Rugby Australia launched an investigation what they describe as "unacceptable conduct".
The NSW Waratahs have also released a statement describing Folau's comments as unacceptable.
The Wallabies star posted on Instagram that "Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" should repent or "Hell awaits you".
30-year-old Folau, had earlier used his Twitter account to tell people to "turn away" from their evil ways, criticising Tasmania's recent decision to make gender optional on birth certificates.
"The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free," he posted.
Joe Marler. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Thousands of fans and many current and former players have voiced their disgust at Folau's views.
Thomas, a gay man and the victim of a homophobic attack in Cardiff last year, posting on Twitter: "I don't write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau's comments. I write with sympathy.
I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments.I write with sympathy. To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.❤️
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) April 10, 2019
"To everyone who reads it, don't be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is. Hell doesn't await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU."
Marler mocked the Australian star by directly tweeting Folau images of men kissing, with the English international's posts receiving lots of support online.
In April last year Folau made anti-gay comments but RA said it accepted his position that he did not mean to harm the game.
