Folau's future has been on the line since he last week posted that homosexuals will burn in hell for their sins, prompting new outrage after a similar post last year.

Rugby Australia said they wanted to tear up his contract but gave him 48 hours to lodge a bid for a Code of Conduct hearing.

And at the eleventh hour today, Folau told rugby bosses he wanted his hearing.

"Wallabies and NSW Waratahs back Israel Folau has today responded to a breach notice issued to him by Rugby Australia on Monday in relation to his social media posts on April 10," said a Rugby Australia statement.

"Folau has requested the matter be referred to a Code of Conduct hearing.

"Rugby Australia will now make arrangements with the Rugby Union Players' Association to bring together the Code of Conduct hearing."

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle added: "Isreal has responded formally today to request a Code of Conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome. We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible.

"After the date for the hearing is confirmed Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the Code of Conduct process has concluded."