As a young gay man Don Rose grew up worshiping the Wallabies while grappling with his own sexuality — the two identities didn't mix.

"For a lot of us, part of confronting your sexuality is moving away from rugby, because rugby and contact sports are hyper-masculine environments and a lot of people who come out of the closet feel like those two worlds are irreconcilable," he said.

Key points: The club has been reluctant to comment on Israel Folau's social media posts

The club has been reluctant to comment on Israel Folau's social media posts Players fear the the posts could have a negative effect on young children's mental health

Players fear the the posts could have a negative effect on young children's mental health Folau is appealing Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract

The 31-year-old is president of the Sydney Convicts, Australia's first gay and inclusive rugby union club competing in the suburban competition for 15 years.

"Our club's purpose is to play really strong and competitive rugby, but it's as much about making our players better on the field as it is becoming better men," Mr Rose said.

The club has been hesitant to comment on Israel Folau's social media posts denouncing homosexuality, but it fears the damage has already been done.

"The comments are offensive," Mr Rose said.

"As a proud gay man who's been a rugby supporter my entire life and a kid who idolised the Wallabies, there's a danger those comments could have really severe affects on kids' mental wellbeing."

The Wallabies fullback's code of conduct hearing enters its third day today.

Folau is appealing Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his four-year $4 million contract over his Instagram post proclaiming hell awaits "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters".

Players from the Sydney Convicts, Australia's first gay rugby union club, want to move on. ( Instagram: @sydneyconvicts )

In a code that has long prided itself for being inclusive and safe for all, the Sydney Convicts have applauded Rugby Australia for taking a stance.

"The entire rugby community wants this to be dealt with and to move on," Mr Rose said.

"There are so many great things happening in our sport — there is a process but the sooner we can move on the better, and talk about the things we should be."

'Ignore Folau's comments'

Sydney Convicts founder, Andrew Purchas, said there would be no winners out of the Folau saga.

"The [game's] highest profile player making condemnations against gay people has been a significant distraction."

Mr Purchas — who also founded the Pride in Sport index, which helps sporting organisations to support same-sex attraction and gender diversity — said the ARU's reaction reflected "the seriousness of [Folau's] comments and the potential damage caused to so many people".

The Convicts have applauded Rugby Australia for taking a strong stance against Folau's comments. ( Instagram: @sydneyconvicts )

Equality in sport and rugby has come a long way but those on the ground acknowledge there's still a way to go.

"There's still homophobic language and slurs that occur and when people you look up to are saying things completely contrary to [being inclusive], that really slows down and impedes the process," Mr Rose said.

"At the end of the day it's what we do on the pitch — it's the rugby that speaks."

Mr Purchas said the broader rugby community was overwhelmingly accepting.

"If you have a same-sex attraction and are a rugby lover or want to play you shouldn't take any notice of Folau's comments — and never let that in any way prevent you from playing the game."