Other rugby players opposed his messages. Retired English rugby player Joe Marler responded to Folau's message by posting a photo on Twitter of two men kissing with just a heart in the description. Former rugby player Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, wrote in a tweet: “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.’’
Rugby Australia announced that Folau will no longer be part of the rugby team due to his discriminatory comments on social media.
