We go to Australia for one of the toughest games in the world, rugby. But rough play on the field does not allow for rough comments off of it and one of the country's star union players is set to be sacked over controversial social media posts. Rugby Australia says the homophobic posts by 30-year-old Israel Folau breach its code of conduct. The case highlights the sometimes fine line for pro athletes between the right to expression, and the obligations that come with the job. Greg Navarro has more from Sydney.

His skills on the field are indisputable - Israel Folau is Australia's best known and highest paid rugby union player, but it's his actions off the field, and online - that are making headlines. Specifically, comments the devoutly religious athlete posted on social media, saying gay people would go to hell if they don't repent. That's sparked reaction from politicians.

JACINDA ARDERN NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER "Obviously, at a personal level, I clearly don't agree with what he said."

Athletes.

MICHAEL LEITCH JAPAN RUGBY UNION CAPTAIN "Israel Folau, I am calling you out."

And Folau's employer, Rugby Australia, which has decided to terminate his multi-million dollar contract.

RAELENE CASTLE AUSTRALIA RUGBY UNION CEO "Israel has 48 hours to accept the sanction or have the matter referred to a code of conduct hearing."

GREG NAVARRO SYDNEY "Rugby Australia says it had talked to Folau after he made similar homophobic posts about a year ago, which ended in an agreement that he would not do it again."

RAELENE CASTLE AUSTRALIA RUGBY UNION CEO "He accepted that conversation, he said that he understood that conversation, he shook my hand at the end of that conversation, said he was very clear of it, and yet he has gone off and done what he has done."

Former coach of the Australian National Rugby Union team turned radio broadcaster Alan Jones has come to Folau's defense, not over what he said, but over his right to say it.

ALAN JONES AUSTRALIAN RADIO BROADCASTER "He's made comments about religion, who will finish up in heaven, and who will finish up in hell. Who cares? So what? It's an opinion."

Expression of religious belief or personal views are not new to professional sports.

PROFESSOR CATHARINE LUMBY MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY "There is nothing wrong with expressing religious views and values. In fact, we should encourage that in a liberal democracy, that everyone is entitled to their beliefs, but I think we cross the line when we condemn other people."

JACINDA ARDERN NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER "I am very mindful of the fact that for many he is a role model, and a person in a position of influence, and I think with that comes responsibility."

For Rugby Australia, Folau's comments fall more under the issue of obligation than expression.

RAELENE CASTLE AUSTRALIA RUGBY UNION CEO "So this is not a religious discussion, this is a discussion around the employee/employer relationship, and the values and the contractual arrangements within that agreement."

Rugby Australia says Folau has remained unapologetic for the social media posts that, at this point, will likely end his playing career in Australia. Greg Navarro, CGTN, Sydney.