SYDNEY (AFP) - Sacked Wallabies rugby star Israel Folau sparked outrage on Monday (Nov 18) by suggesting destructive bush fires and drought ravaging Australia were "God's judgment" for the legalisation of same-sex marriage and abortion.

The devout Christian, who is pursuing legal action against Rugby Australia after being fired in May forposting on Instagram that "hell awaits" gay people and others he considers sinners, made his latest outburst in a Sydney church sermon on Sunday.