SYDNEY (AP) — A code of conduct hearing to determine the playing future of Wallabies star Israel Folau began on Saturday at the headquarters of Rugby Australia.

The 30-year-old outside back is appearing before the hearing to fight Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract after he posted in mid-April on social media that gay people, along with other "sinners," will face damnation unless they repent.

Folau is facing a three-person code of conduct panel chaired by Sydney lawyer John West. The panel also includes Rugby Australia representative Kate Eastman and Rugby Union Players Association representative John Boultbee.

An extra day has been set aside in case the hearing has to go into Sunday. A decision is not expected to be announced this weekend.

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