After allowing the 72-hour appeal window to close on Monday, triggering the termination of his four-year multimillion-dollar contract, the dual international and three-time John Eales medallist reiterated he was considering all his options, including legal action.

"My decision not to commence Rugby Australia's appeal process is in no way an acceptance of the judicial panel's findings," he said.

"I simply do not have confidence in Rugby Australia's ability to treat me fairly or lawfully throughout this process."

The Wallabies fullback was found to have committed a "high level" breach of Rugby Australia's code of conduct after making anti-gay posts on social media last month, with a three-person independent panel, including two of the country's top legal experts in workplace discrimation and employment law, recommending last Friday his contract be torn up.

Under the code of conduct process, Folau had 72 hours to appeal against the decision, and that window closed at midday on Monday. RA announced his contract would be terminated.

Folau said he had been humbled by support from all corners after his sacking over anti-gay social media comments and still wanted to play rugby.

"The messages of support from fans, players, former rugby administrators and the public have been humbling," he said.

"I believe I still have a lot of rugby left in me and the potential impact of Rugby Australia's decision on my reputation and my career is substantial.

"Ultimately, I need to do what is best for my family, my teammates and the fans, so I am considering all potential avenues open to me."

Folau's only option now is to lodge a claim through the courts, which he is yet to do.

Meanwhile, news of his exit from the Australian game continued to reverberate around the world, with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and high-profile Test referee Nigel Owens both weighing in.

With just four months until the World Cup kicks off in Japan, the New Zealand coach is ramping up preparations for a shortened Rugby Championship and two-Test Bledisloe Cup series in July.

Hansen said Folau's absence would be felt by the Wallabies on the field.

"They will be different. He's such a great player and it's disappointing for Australia that this whole thing has happened," Hansen said.

"It has and they'll want to move on from that. When you play Test matches you want to play against the best but they've got some quality players to play fullback. I'm sure they'll put players in with similar skill."

He also said the episode showed how careful players needed to be on social media.

"People can have their own beliefs, there's nothing wrong with that, as long as it's not damaging the beliefs of the team or the organisation that you work for," he said.

Earlier, Owens congratulated RA for their tough stance on Folau's comments. The Welsh referee, who was in charge of the 2015 World Cup final, is the international game's first openly gay referee.

"It is an important message from the Australian Rugby Union, who I think have dealt with it properly in the only way that they could," he told BBC Radio 4.

"It is a clear message going out to people that there are consequences for expressing those beliefs, which are very, very hurtful and not acceptable in today's society."

The 47-year-old pleaded for a basis of mutual respect to be found.

"I respect [religious players'] religion, I respect their beliefs and all I would like to ask is that they respect other people's way of life and try to understand that it's not a choice," he told BBC Radio 4.

"I cannot choose my sexuality. I can choose what religion I follow. I can choose what kind of person I am - I'm a good person - what sport I play. There are many, many things I can choose in life but my sexuality is not one of them, that's what I'd like them to understand.

"It's a shame that it's gone to this and none of us should take any pleasure in the fact that somebody has lost his job and lost his career."