Israel Folau has requested a code of conduct hearing after he was issued with a breach notice by Rugby Australia over his homophobic social media posts.

The union's integrity unit ruled Folau had committed a "high-level breach of the Professional Players' Code of Conduct", warranting the termination of his employment contract, and he was given 48 hours to accept the breach of contract or refer it to a hearing.

The 30-year-old devout Christian said on his Instagram account last week that "hell awaits" for "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators".

RA said Folau's request for a code of conduct hearing was "not an unexpected outcome".

Folau has stood by his view in posts that remain visible and would rather accept the end of his career than issue a retraction.

"It's obviously a decision that's in the process right now but I believe in a God that's in control of all things," he told the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week.

"Whatever His will is, whether that's to continue playing or not, I'm more than happy to do what He wants me to do."

He has been stood down by the Waratahs and his rugby union career in Australia appears over, while a return to his roots in league has been ruled out by the Australian Rugby League.

Clubs in Europe will also be wary of signing a player who comes with considerable baggage and even Toulon have rejected the possibility of offering an escape route.

The fallout has been felt in the northern hemisphere after England number eight Billy Vunipola offered support for his view on his own Instagram account, resulting in a formal warning from the Rugby Football Union.