Showdown set as Israel Folau challenges Rugby Australia's termination threat

Folau responded to RA's breach notice on Wednesday morning, sending the matter to a three-person hearing that will likely not take place until next week.

RA announced its intention to sack the three-time John Eales Medal winner last Thursday after Folau made two religious posts attacking, among others, gay and transgender people.

"Israel has responded formally today to request a code of conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome. We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible," RA chief executive Raelene Castle said.

"After the date for the hearing is confirmed Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the code of conduct process has concluded."

The development sets the stage for a potentially damaging showdown between the two parties. RA do not need another week or more of sustained attention on the divisive issue, while Folau has a multimillion-dollar deal at stake.

He was broadly disowned by key figures in the game this week including, most recently, former NSW and Wallabies team mate Drew Mitchell.

Mitchell, now a pundit on Fox Sports, all but called Folau a hypocrite, posting on Twitter his comments from last year saying he would walk away from the game if RA found his position untenable.

"When words and actions aren't aligned," Mitchell then commented. "The fact [RA] intend to terminate [Folau's] contract would suggest it's become untenable. I would hate to think Izzy is a liar because we know what happens to them..."

On Monday his captain at NSW and the Wallabies, Michael Hooper, said he would find if "difficult" to take the field with Folau, while Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he would not pick him for Australia.

The threat of legal action also stalks RA, who did not take action against him over similar comments last year for fear of becoming a freedom of speech test case.

Folau was guarded about what he would do in response to Rugby Australia's threat to terminate contract when he spoke to the Herald on Sunday at his church, insisting he had not thought about a legal case for religious discrimination if it happened.

"It's obviously a decision that's in the process right now but I believe in a God that's in control of all things," Folau said.

"Whatever His will is, whether that's to continue playing or not, I'm more than happy to do what He wants me to do."

Folau also said the outrage about him calling homosexuals sinners had not caused him to reconsider his comments.

"Absolutely not," he said. "I'll stand on what the Bible says. I share it with love. I can see the other side of the coin where people's reactions are the total opposite to how I'm sharing it."

The code of conduct hearing will be chaired by an independent figure, agreed upon by RA and the Rugby Union Players' Association, plus one representative from both RA and RUPA.

Folau, a 73-Test dual international of rugby and rugby league, is currently stood down from all duties with the Waratahs.