Billy Vunipola: England rugby star 'formally warned' for defending anti-gay post

Saracens condemn their number eight for a "serious error of judgement" as he insists his "intention was never to cause suffering".

An England rugby player has been formally warned about his future in club side Saracens after defending an anti-gay social media post.

Billy Vunipola held "lengthy discussions" with senior representatives from the top-flight team about his support for Australia rugby star Israel Folau.

Folau looks likely to have his contract terminated for posting a message on his Instagram saying hell awaits "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters".

Vunipola liked the post and wrote in a comment that "I don't hate anyone", adding: "He's saying how we live our lives needs to be closer to how God intended them to be. Man was made for woman to pro create that was the goal no?"

Saracens condemned their number eight for a "serious error of judgement in publicly sharing his opinion which is inconsistent with the values of the club and contravenes his contractual obligations".

In a statement on the club's website, Vunipola insisted his "intention was never to cause suffering".

But he stopped short of offering an apology.