SYDNEY, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sacked Australian rugby star Israel Folau confirmed on Thursday he has launched a legal challenge against Rugby Australia and state team the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs, seeking an apology, financial compensation and reinstatement in the country's national side, the Wallabies.

Folau was dismissed from the team in April after posting a religious message on social media containing a reference to homosexuals which was deemed to be in breach of his contract.

In an 8-page legal document lodged on Wednesday, Folau's legal team claim that the 30-year-old's dismissal was in breach of a law which prohibits the sacking of a person based on their religion.

Folau is seeking 6.8 million U.S. dollars in damages, on top of an apology and for his contract with Rugby Australia to be reinstated.

"I have been blessed to have received the support of tens of thousands of Australians throughout my journey, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has offered their prayers and support," Folau said in a statement.

A crowd based funding effort established by the Australian Christian Lobby has netted roughly 1.5 million U.S. dollars from over 20,000 people to help support Folau's legal battle.