Rugby: 'Might as well sack me' - Taniela Tupou defends teammate over religious post

Rugby Australia is facing a potential Polynesian player mutiny.

Taniela Tupou has claimed all Pacific Islanders "might as well just be sacked" because of their religious beliefs after Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi felt he needed to apologise for 'offending' fans after saying 'I love Jesus' in an Instagram post on Easter.

In an explosive development days from Israel Folau's attempt to save his multi-million-dollar career at a Rugby Australia code of conduct hearing, Tupou took to Facebook in a now deleted post.

The man once known as the Tongan Thor when he played in New Zealand, says he will never apologise for his faith.

"Seriously," his post began.

"Might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same Christian beliefs.

"I will never apologise for my faith and what I believe in, religion had [sic] got nothing to do with rugby anyways #TYJ ".

Yesterday Kerevi, the Queensland Reds captain and Folau's Wallabies teammate, felt obliged to apologise for sharing his religious beliefs.

Kerevi posted a photo of him playing for the Reds with a bible verse: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

View this post on Instagram

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I love you Jesus #AO1

A post shared by サム　ケレビ (@samukerevi_) on Apr 18, 2019 at 2:58am PDT

The 25-year-old added: "Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I love you Jesus."

While Kerevi received support from most fans, some questioned his post and asked if it meant he supported Folau's stance on homosexuality.

"I know a lot of gay kids and adults in our sport would love to hear a rugby leader like you say you love and respect them for who they are - are you willing to endorse that message?" wrote one fan.

"I hope you don't support Israel's comments Samu," added another.

Kerevi didn't appear to support Folau's homophobic message at all and even replied to a fan who suggested that "God is a completely homosexual man" by saying: "I'm sorry you believe that but he is a loving God. God bless mate".

However, in the days after the post, Kerevi posted a story on Instagram apologising to anyone he might have offended for expressing his religious beliefs.

"I apologise to anyone that I have offended in giving praise to our God on a weekend that we take off to celebrate his Sacrifice for you and I," Kerevi wrote.

"I will always give praise to Him.

"To the media, it's all love brothers & sisters, God Bless and enjoy your weekend."

Kerevi's bizarre apology comes after Folau, who is a devout Christian, was handed a "high level" breach notice by Rugby Australia over social media posts he made on April 10.

Folau wrote on Instagram: "Warning. Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters. Hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus saves."

The 30-year-old fullback will face a Rugby Australia Code of Conduct hearing after challenging the governing body's termination breach notice for his social media activity.