Rugby Australia (RA) has been criticised for its handling of the Israel Folau controversy by gay world club rugby champions the Melbourne Chargers.
The issue continues to make waves after RA opted not to sanction their superstar player for his comment on social media that gay people would go to hell unless they repent their "sins".
Chargers president Xavier Goldie has sent an open invitation for devout Christian Folau to attend one of their training sessions in the hope he could understand why his comments were so hurtful to the gay community.
"In the past, Rugby Australia has been a leader on standing up for diversity and inclusion in the sport, including gay people," Goldie said.
"We are disappointed they didn't take action in response to Folau's harmful comments.
"Penalising him wasn't their only option, they also could have asked him to meet with gay rugby players to hear why his comments are so incredibly harmful."
The Chargers won the Bingham Cup, the biggest rugby tournament in the world in terms of participation, in 2016.
The club's plea to RA and Folau come on top of rugby's highest-profile referee Nigel Owens urging the former NRL star and AFL player to judge him on his character rather than his sexuality.
The Welshman, who has been in charge of more than 150 internationals, came out publicly in 2007 after attempting suicide at age 24, having struggled to come to terms with his sexuality.
The now 46-year-old stresses that Folau is entitled to his beliefs but says his comments would have been deeply hurtful during his difficult time.
"For me it's trying to get those people to understand, 'look, me being gay is not a choice'," Owens told the Unfiltered podcast.
"There are young people out there taking their own lives, feeling like I did.
"And that's what I wish people would think about and the way they convey their opinions and I wish they would try and understand that everybody's different.
"Judge me and other gay people, judge them on the content of their character, not their sexuality."
Meanwhile, one-Test All Blacks halfback Brad Weber condemned Folau for his comment.
New Zealand Rugby is committed to Diversity and Inclusion, and welcomes people from all walks of life. We respect that people have different views and beliefs, however expect that any opinions and views are expressed in a respectful way. pic.twitter.com/78959WYn6y
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) April 17, 2018
"My cousin and her partner, and my aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring and loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing," Weber tweeted on Wednesday.
"To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me."
But Folau has received another high-profile supporter in his Wallabies teammate Allan Alaalatoa.
The Brumbies prop, who was promoted to Australia vice-captain last year, says Folau's dedication to his religion is something he can aspire to.
Alaalatoa has checked in with Folau to see how he is coping with the added scrutiny after his controversial anti-gay views.
Alaalatoa says his Super Rugby rival is entitled to his opinion that comes with practising Christianity and he had seen firsthand how dedicated Folau was to his faith.
"I'm still trying to build that relationship there (with God)," Alaalatoa said on Wednesday.
"I was lucky enough to have a few times with him in the Wallaby camp to see what's he about and mainly to see his beliefs as a Christian man," Alaalatoa said.
"It's something for myself to look up to and hopefully at one stage in my life I could probably build towards.
New Zealand Rugby has since reiterated its social media policy, though it's unclear whether the move is a response to Folau or Weber's use of their online platforms.
Kinda sick of us players staying quiet on some of this stuff. I can't stand that I have to play this game that I love with people, like Folau, who say what he's saying
— Brad Weber (@brad_weber9) April 17, 2018
"New Zealand Rugby is committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcomes people from all walks of life," the body said on its social media channels.
"We respect that people have different views and beliefs, however expect that any opinions and views are expressed in a respectful way."
While, Netball New Zealand were also forced to make a statement on Monday morning after Folau's wife and New Zealand netball player Maria Folau posted a statement on Instagram that appeared to support her husband's comments, posting: "Don't be afraid to stand up for the truth, even if that means you will be standing alone."
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie was forced to field questions on the issue at a press conference.
"We value inclusion and diversity, whether it be gender, ethnicity, social economic status, sexuality or religion," she read from a prepared statement. "We take our responsibility as role models for New Zealanders very seriously.
"Maria chose to demonstrate her support for her husband and his beliefs - this is not a matter for Netball New Zealand.
"We have had a conversation with Maria about our concerns."
Two weeks after making the comment on Instagram, Folau doubled down in a column on Monday in which he revealed he offered to walk away from his RA contract in the wake of his controversy.
"This is not about money or bargaining power or contracts. It's about what I believe in and never compromising that, because my faith is far more important to me than my career and always will be," Folau told the Players' Voice website.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.