Welsh rugby stars react to Israel Folau's 'discriminatory' social media posts on homosexuality

Credit: PA

Welsh rugby stars Josh Navidi and Gareth Thomas have expressed their support for the LGBT community following "discriminatory" comments made by Australian international Israel Folau.

Folau posted on social media on Wednesday that "hell awaits" homosexuals.

Read more: Rugby Australia and New South Wales to terminate Folau's contract

Josh Navidi and former Wales international Gareth Thomas have reacted to the comments. Credit: PA

In response, Cardiff Blues star and Wales international Josh Navidi said "love is love". He also expressed his support for Rugby Australia's decision to terminate Folau's contract.

Navidi and Cardiff Blues teammates supported Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign in November, supporting LGBT equality in sport.

Folau's comments caused further controversy in the rugby playing world after England international Billy Vunipola refused to unlike the Instagram post published by the Australia full-back.

The son of a Methodist Minister, Vunipola, says people should follow God's teachings more closely.

Read more: Billy Vunipola shows support for controversial Israel Folau comments

Former Lions and Wales international Gareth Thomas also responded to the controversy on Twitter. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, asked people to "not be influenced" by Folau's words.

Rugby Australia released the following statement in relation to Folau's comments:

"As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action. In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract."