Israel Folau

Devout Christian Folau, who was vocal in his opposition of Australia's decision to legalise same-sex marriage last year, is already facing a social media backlash after outlining his views on Instagram.

Folau initially posted a graphic of 'God's plan', which one user replied to by asking what God's plan was for gay people?

The 29-year-old, who plays his club rugby for the Waratahs, replied: "HELL... Unless they repent their sins and turn to God."

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After a 13-year international career, this campaign has a distinctly different feel about it. In her fourth Commonwealth Games, this will be the first in which she's taken the court with her new surname emblazoned across the back of her black dress, after her marriage to Australian cross-code superstar Israel Folau in November.

The 57-test veteran admits she's still coming to terms with this "weirdly" sentimental transition, despite having already debuted her new name during January's Quad Series.

The superstar fullback is off contract at the end of 2018 and even the lure of a second Rugby World Cup appearance next year may not be enough to keep Folau in the 15-man code.       

"Look, it's something I enjoyed last time around. But, in saying that, there's plenty of options on the line and, when that time comes, I'll make a decision when I'm ready," Folau said on Wednesday.     

"There's no rush. I want to make sure everything is set in position and I feel comfortable and I'll come out and make that announcement."            

Rugby World magazine released a list of their top 100 current players for 2017, with Hooper and Folau coming in at no. 8 and no. 5, respectively, behind the number one, England's Owen Farrell.

The pair are two of eight Aussies in the list, though just five of those eight played Super Rugby last year.

Flanker David Pocock, at no. 41, will be back in Australia next month after a year's sabbatical, but former Wallabies centre Matt Toomua (60) looks unlikely to play for the Wallabies again, after re-signing with Leicester until 2019.

7th Tackle can reveal Folau married his NZ-based fiancé, Maria Tutaia, yesterday. The wedding took place before a select number of guests on a private property in Kangaroo Valley, around two hours south of Sydney.

The timing of yesterday’s ceremony could not have been more ironic, given Folau’s public stance against gay marriage. The devout Mormon caused a storm last month when he tweeted his views against the law change.

Folau has topped the medal count, which is voted on by players on a 3-2-1 basis after each Test from Spring Tour to the final Bledisloe, for the third time in just five seasons in rugby, finishing with 260 votes, ahead of Kurtley Beale (166), Bernard Foley (146), Michael Hooper (142) and Sean McMahon (129)

The fullback, who is set to go on sabbatical after this weekend's Barbarians clash, was one of just four players to have won it twice before this season - alongwith George Smith, Nathan Sharpe and current skipper Michael Hooper.

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has rejected a short-term contract, understood to be worth A$500,000 (NZ$560,000), to play in Japan. Instead, opting to spend some much needed time with his fiancee, Silver Ferns star Maria Tutaia.

Folau, who earns more than A$1 million (NZ$1.1m) annually on his ARU contract, was set to join Japan's cashed up Panasonic Wild Knights team under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans as part of a clause in his deal, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Folau, who earns more than A$1 million (NZ$1.1m) annually on his ARU contract, was set to join Japan's cashed up Panasonic Wild Knights team under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans as part of a clause in his deal, according to the Daily Telegraph.

"We're both just having time off, we haven't figured out a wedding date yet, but it's pretty hard at the moment because of our seasons," Folau told the Daily Telegraph.

 "We're not in a rush to get things done, we're just really trying to enjoy our time together because we don't get a lot of that together."

Folau had the opportunity to play club rugby in Japan over the summer as part of his flexible contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

But after a discussion with Cheika several months ago, the 28-year-old fullback decided it was in his best interests to step away from the game completely - meaning he won't be involved in the Wallabies' test matches against Japan, Wales, England and Scotland to finish the season.

Before taking a break, Folau will suit up for the Wallabies against the Barbarians at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. 

Folau sparked a Twitter backlash by revealing he will not support gay marriage, becoming the first high-profile sportsperson to have publicly announced their opposition.

It came after numerous sporting organisations -- including the Australian Rugby Union -- declared their support for a 'yes' vote in the government's postal survey.

Folau's views are also at odds with outspoken former Test skipper David Pocock while current captain Michael Hooper has also voiced his support for gay marriage this week.