TJ Perenara slams Israel Folau's comments on homosexuality

New Zealand international TJ Perenara has slammed the comments made by Wallabies star Israel Folau on homosexuality.

Folau's response came after one of the members asked him on his Instagram account: "What was god's plan for gay people?"

The 29-year-old replied back "Hell... unless they repent of their sins and turn to God."

The comment was deleted shortly by the Waratahs fullback but it stayed enough for one of the Instagram user to capture a screenshot.

This was Folau's second public opposition on same-sex marriage following his Tweet in September. “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. But personally, I will not support gay marriage”.

Perenara went on to social media to convey that he is "100% against the comments made by Folau".

"I'd like to add my voice to the conversation currently taking place," Perenara wrote on Twitter.

"As professional rugby players, whether we like it or not, we are role models for a lot of young people. Notably, young Maori and Pasifika people.

"You don't need to look far to know that young Maori/PI are overrepresented in youth suicide statistics and, as I understand it, even more so when you look to those who are part of the Rainbow community. Comments that cause further harm cannot be tolerated."

Further describing the comments from the Australian star as "harmful", the 26-year-old insisted that he did not want to see someone from the game he loves to make a statement like Folau did.

"Let it go on record that I am 100% against the comments that were made by Israel. It was not ok to say that. It's not an attitude I want to see in the game I love. There is no justification for such harmful comments.

"To anyone, young Maori/Pasifika people especially, who may be struggling with their identity - please know that it is ok to be you. You are perfect as you are. Do not let these comments keep you from being yourself. Polynesia has been sexually diverse since forever."

The comments from Perenara came after his All Blacks team-mate Brad Weber also slammed Folau for his statement.

"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," Weber tweeted.

"My cousin and her partner, and my Aunty and her partner are some of the most kind, caring & loving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. To think that I play against someone that says they'll go to Hell for being gay disgusts me".