'Toughen the F up': John Hopoate's inflammatory defence of Israel Folau

Former Rugby League hardman and boxer John Hopoate has come out swinging in defence of Israel Folau, just before the Wallabies superstar requested a code of conduct hearing over his breach notice from Rugby Australia.

Folau, who signed a new four-year $4 million contract back in February, was given 48 hours to accept the sanction or have the matter referred to a Code of Conduct hearing after controversial social media posts last week.

But former NRL hardman Hopoate has taken to social media in a controversial defence of Folau’s freedom of speech.

“Why’s everyone so worried about what Israel Folau said,’’ he wrote.

“All these idiots carrying on like he’s murdered someone. If your (sic) a bloody HOMO who cares, I’ve been called racist names and all other crap all my life and if you can’t handle been (sic) told your (sic) going to hell we’ll toughen the F up cause no 1 cares if you do or if you don’t.

“But 1 thing I can say is GOD MADE ADAM AND EVE NOT ADAM AND STEVE.’’

Folau requests hearing

Wallabies star Folau has requested a code of conduct hearing over his breach notice from Rugby Australia as his multi-million dollar contract hangs in the balance.

Unless successful at the hearing, Folau faces the sack after being issued with a “high-level” breach notice over controversial social media posts he made on April 10.

Rugby Australia says it will now make arrangements with the Rugby Union Players’ Association to organise the hearing.