All Black Lima Sopoaga is to face an employment proceeding over a homophobic comment made in social media.
A photo posted by All Black Malakai Fekitoa on Instagram Photo: Instagram
The first five-eighth posted the word "gayyyyy" under a photo posted by his teammate Malakai Fekitoa, where it appeared he was about to be kissed by two men.
Sopoaga has since apologised for his comment.
In a later post, he said he was not homophobic, but understood how the comment could have been interpreted that way.
The Rugby Union said it would initiate a formal employment process with Sopoaga to discuss the post with him.
General manager Neil Sorenson said professional rugby players were expected to be respectful and inclusive of all people.
