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'Please stop': Israel Folau's stunning act for gay activist

Israel Folau has turned heads after surprisingly leaping to the defence of a prominent gay rights activist.

The sacked rugby star has made it abundantly clear where he stands on homosexuality, with his infamous "hell awaits" social media post proving the catalyst for the current situation he finds himself in.

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However, the divisive sporting identity has put aside his own personal beliefs in a classy show of support for openly gay Aussie icon Magda Szubanski.

The veteran comedian has been a vocal critic of Folau's, labelling his beliefs that all homosexuals are destined for hell as "sickening".

Israel Folau and Magda Szubanski have very different views on homosexuality.
Israel Folau and Magda Szubanski. Pic: Getty

Yet Folau has come to Szubanski's defence after ABC journalist Dr Julia Baird called out the "anonymous online" trolls who have targeted the comedian with messages of hatred.

“Hey everyone I totally agree with @bairdjulia — please stop the anonymous online attacks on @MagdaSzubanski who has entered this debate very respectfully,” Folau wrote.

“She is entitled to express her views — let’s all have this important discussion with love in our hearts.”

No end in sight for Folau's legal dispute with RA

Folau and Rugby Australia look headed for a long and costly court battle over his sacking for homophobic comments after last-ditch conciliation talks hit a dead end on Friday.

The country's Fair Work Commission had ordered the two sides to a closed-doors mediation hearing in a bid to avoid legal action over a dispute that has polarised Australia.

But Folau and his camp emerged some four hours later with no settlement.

"Very, very disappointed by the outcome today," said the devoutly religious Folau. "I'd like to thank those who've supported me throughout this time. I'll continue to stand up for the freedoms of all Australians."

The case is now expected to head to the Federal Court and could potentially drag on for years.

Super Rugby's record try-scorer, who was on a $1 million-a-year, four-year contract, is reportedly seeking $10 million, including for lost sponsorship and marketing opportunities, a sum reports say could be ruinous for Rugby Australia.

The sport's governing body said it too was "incredibly disappointed".

Rugby Australia and Israel Folau look set for a lengthy court battle.
Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle and Israel Folau. Pic: Getty

"We remain confident in our processes and will continue to do what is required to defend the values that underpin our game," Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby said in a brief joint statement.

Folau was fired in May for breaching Rugby Australia's code of conduct after posting that "hell awaits" gay people and others he considers sinners.

The fullback took his case to Australia's Fair Work Commission, asserting that he simply posted sentiments from the Bible and was unfairly dismissed.

However, Rugby Australia insists his sacking was purely contractual, saying Folau had agreed not to disparage anyone over their sexual orientation following a similar controversy last year.

Hopes of a resolution were slim with the two sides trading barbs beforehand.

Folau claimed in a television interview Thursday evening that Rugby Australia offered him money to take down the offensive post, but said, "I couldn't live with that".

The governing body called the allegation "completely false".

With agencies