Israel Folau has been fired due to a controversial faith-based Instagram post.

According to Faithwire, Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle commented Friday following the announcement of their decision that Folau "left us with no choice but to pursue the course of action resulting in today's outcome."

Castle also said that it was important to the organization that they stand by their values "and the qualities of inclusion, passion, integrity, discipline, respect, and teamwork."

Folau faces two courses of action in response to RA's decision: appeal or elevate the case to the Australian Supreme Court.

The athlete said he was "deeply saddened" by the decision, but did not back down from sharing the post. It remains posted to his account, with Folau saying it was his duty as a follower of Christ to share the post.

Earlier:

Rugby Australia says it's not that Folau shared his faith on Instagram, but how he shared it and what he said about others.

Folau, a Christian rugby player, was found guilty of a "high-level breach" of the players' code of conduct set out by Rugby Australia due to comments that he posted to social media in April, according to Premier.

The comments included a statement that said "hell awaits" sinners, listing homosexuals, thieves, and Atheists among others destined for an afterlife of suffering. The post was made by the 30-year-old to his Instagram page.

"Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent," Folau said in the post's caption. "Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him."

Folau also quoted scripture, including Acts 2:38 KJV, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Since December 26, 2017, the vast majority of Folau's posts feature not pictures of him or family but posts urging people to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus. Some have been reminded by the post of Chick tracts.

Officials are now tasked with considering what consequences Folau will face for his comments. The termination of the athlete's contract reportedly remains an option.