Rugby Australia has issued star player Israel Folau with a code of conduct breach notice to which he has 48 hours to respond or be sacked.

The move comes after Folau’s controversial social media post last week, which proclaimed hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters”.

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said on Monday the Wallabies and Waratahs’ fullback had been charged with a “high level” code of conduct breach and the organisation’s integrity unit had recommended his lucrative contract be terminated.

Folau can either accept that finding or ask for a code of conduct hearing.

But Folau, who is unrepentant about the widely condemned post, said on Sunday he was prepared to walk away from rugby without a fight for the sake of his Christian faith.

Folau spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald after he and netball star wife Maria attended church in suburban Sydney on Sunday.

He denied reports that he would consider taking legal action if Rugby Australia severed ties. He said he would regard such a decision as “God’s will”.

“First and foremost, I live for God now. Whatever he wants me to do, I believe his plans for me are better than whatever I can think. If that’s not to continue on playing, so be it,” Folau said.

“In saying that, obviously I love playing footy and if it goes down that path I’ll definitely miss it. But my faith in Jesus Christ is what comes first.”

Folau said his beliefs hadn’t been swayed by the waves of criticism directed at him.

“Absolutely not. I’ll stand on what the Bible says. I share it with love. I can see the other side of the coin where people’s reactions are the total opposite to how I’m sharing it.”

Folau described the days since his posts as “tough” but said he wasn’t surprised and took comfort in what the bible says.

He says he feels love towards all the people who had vented a negative reaction.

-with AAP