World record swimmer Stephanie Rice has apologized following her homophobic tweet over the Wallabies' victory over South Africa.

After the Wallabies' last-gasp win over South Africa on Saturday night, Rice tweeted: "Suck on that faggots!"

The comment attracted criticism from gay actor and former Australian rugby league star Ian Roberts, who labelled Rice a "complete idiot".

"She is an idiot ... and anyone who continues to endorse her as an athlete is an idiot as well," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying.

"And I say that with a very sad tone in my voice. What a fool," he added.

However, the queen of the pool, who recently withdrew from next month's Commonwealth Games with a shoulder injury, has since apologized and deleted the posting.

Rice is reportedly dating Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper.(ANI)