International Gay Rugby has applauded the sport's quick and decisive response to Wallabies star Israel Folau's homophobic stance.
Folau has been given a breach of contract notice by Rugby Australia and told to attend a please explain meeting following last week's social media post that has been widely condemned. England club Saracens and their national union have also disciplined Billy Vunipola for supporting Folau.
"We are really pleased with how quickly the unions responded," International Gay Rugby chairman Ben Owen told The Guardian.
"The reaction of the whole rugby community shows that discriminatory views have no place in the sport. A number of people in the LGBT community are vulnerable because of the discrimination they have had to face. Reading what was put up last week is harmful enough, but it is far worse when it comes from top stars who are well-paid ambassadors for the sport."
In his posts Folau listed gays among sinners destined for hell unless they repented.
Owen noted that Folau had helped to promote gay rugby's premier tournament, the Bingham Cup, when it was held in Sydney in 2014.
"Folau was on the front of the best known gay magazine in Australia promoting the cup. It was a big surprise when he came out with his remarks last year. He may have been expressing his beliefs, but posts can have consequences. It was only last November that Gareth Thomas [the former Wales captain] was attacked in the street because of his homosexuality.
"The rugby world reacted brilliantly then with 10 international teams wearing rainbow laces that weekend in solidarity with him. Last week's posts may not have been advocating violence but because they came from such high-profile players, their words could have led to intolerance."
Owen told The Guardian rugby offered "a sense of belonging" for gay people who had been depressed after being subjected to discrimination.
"That is why last week was so damaging".
He said World Rugby and his organisation had worked together over the last five years to ensure the sport was "for everyone".
"We have a very clear set of values that celebrate diversity, understanding and inclusiveness."
He felt it was important for people with influence to promote those values.