Folau's $4 million contract was terminated in May after posts he made on social media citing the Bible that were deemed homophobic.

Now he's set up a GoFundMe page to raise a total $3 million to cover legal costs in his bid to seek reinstatement.

"I believe that sharing the Bible is an act of love and compassion," he said on his fundraising page.

"I do not believe that it is fair or right that I be punished for my religious beliefs,"

The 30-year-old Wallabies back says he and wife Maria, an international netball player, have already spent more than $100,000 of their own money on fees dealing with Rugby Australia's internal tribunal processes.

"I believe the termination of my contract is unlawful, which is why I have started legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW," Folau said on the website.

Read more: Hawks prepare to welcome LaMelo Ball's mentor to the fold

"In response, Rugby Australia have already said that they will 'divert significant resources' to fight me in court.

"Even if I win, Rugby Australia can appeal. There is every chance that a prominent test case like this could take years and eventually end up in the High Court of Australia."

Folaus' fundraising page had raised almost $28,000 as of early Friday morning.

"I know I am putting myself on the line - this action will be very costly in terms of time, money and reputation - but I do not intend to stop now.

"I have the fight of my life on my hands and every little bit will help."

AAP

Introduction

My name is Israel Folau and, until recently, playing Rugby was my livelihood.

I have had the honour and the privilege of representing my country on the sporting field, for which I will be forever grateful.

I am also a Christian. My faith is the most important thing in my life. I try to live my life according to the Bible and I believe it is my duty to share the word of the Bible.

Earlier this year, I uploaded some messages from the Bible on my Instagram page.

I believe that sharing the Bible is an act of love and compassion.

I know some people do not like or believe in the Bible. Indeed, what makes our country so wonderful is that we have such a diverse community made up of so many different cultures and values. But my faith defines me as a person. I do not believe that it is fair or right that I be punished for my religious beliefs.

Sadly, after I uploaded the messages from the Bible, my employers, Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW, tore up my employment contract. As a result, I have lost my job, my livelihood, and the ability to play for my country. It looks like I will never be allowed to play rugby in this country again.

My action

I believe the termination of my contract is unlawful, which is why I have started legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW.

In response, Rugby Australia have already said that they will "divert significant resources" to fight me in court. Even if I win, Rugby Australia can appeal. There is every chance that a prominent test case like this could take years and eventually end up in the High Court of Australia.

My wife Maria and I have already spent over $100,000 of our own money, and that was just to try and deal with Rugby Australia's internal tribunal processes. The money I am asking for is to fund the rest of my action in court.

My request for support

I know I am putting myself on the line - this action will be very costly in terms of time, money and reputation - but I do not intend to stop now.

I would be very grateful for your support. Could you make a donation, within your capacity to give, in order to support my action? I have the fight of my life on my hands and every little bit will help.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.