Aussie comedian challenges Israel Folau to TV debate

Australian comedian Joel Creasey has challenged Israel Folau to debate his controversial views on live television.

Creasey, an openly gay man, has dared Folau to put his money where his mouth is in a Facebook post in which he hoped to give the ousted rugby star some ‘perspective’.

The 28-year-old dismissed Folau’s claim that his looming court battle with Rugby Australia would be the ‘fight of his life’.

“You say you have the “fight of your life” on your hands trying to raise funds to defend your blatant homophobia,” Creasey wrote on Facebook.

If you’d like to put that in perspective I’m more than happy to debate you on national television. I can assure you that will be a far tougher fight.”

Folau has been widely criticised for starting a GoFundMe page requesting donations for his upcoming case.

Rugby Australia slam Folau

Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle has slammed Israel Folau after the former Wallabies star caused outrage with his plea to the public for $3 million to help him fight Rugby Australia in court.

As of lunchtime on Friday, more than 6,500 Australians had committed to back his fight to be reinstated after pledging more the $500,000.

The sacked rugby star and committed Christian has vowed to "stand up for the word of God" in his legal fight, in what could be a landmark test of religious freedoms.

But his crowdfunding effort has divided opinion.

Despite the spike in donations, Folau's decision to take his fight to Go Fund Me has prompted a sharp backlash.

"From our perspective (Go Fund Me) is a place where sick children get support, so it's certainly not a strategy we think is appropriate," Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle told Nine News.

Sydney Independent state MP Alex Greenwich urged people to donate to World Vision's campaign to end child slavery instead.

"If you are truely interested in supporting a Christian cause ... do not donate to the #Folau fund," he posted on Twitter.