Top international rugby referee Nigel Owens has praised the stance of Rugby Australia (RA) in sacking Israel Folau for his controversial social media posts.
On Friday, Folau had his multi-year contract worth millions with RA torn up after taking to Instagram last month to proclaim "hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters".
Welshman Owens, who came out as gay in 2007, said the decision sends a "clear message" to others who might be tempted to express their beliefs.
"It is an important message from [RA], 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.
"Rugby is a sport inclusive for all, which means I can be a part of the sport. When you're in that sport you must respect other people within that sport.
"I respect their 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," Owens added.
"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."
Folau has 72 hours to appeal against the termination of his contract, which was due to expire in 2022. The 30-year-old said in a statement he is considering his options.
Earlier this month, Owens was named as one of 12 referees for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Japan, which will be the 47-year-old's fourth appearance at the 20-team event.
Newshub.
