Rugby Australia is pressing ahead with plans to terminate Israel Folau’s contract after the Wallabies full-back was served with a breach notice over his controversial social media posts.
Folau has been deemed by the union’s integrity unit to have committed a “high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct”, warranting the termination of his employment contract.
A year ago Folau, a staunch Christian, was warned for making controversial comments on social media but escaped disciplinary action.
Having published similarly divisive views once again, however, RA announced its intention to sack one of the sport’s most gifted players in a move that would rule him out of the World Cup.
And RA chief executive Raelene Castle declared on Monday morning that Folau is in breach of contract.
Castle said: “Following the events of last year, Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as a player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations.
“It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.
“All professional rugby players in Australia are bound by the code of conduct and there is a process in place for any disciplinary matter.”
Provided by Press Association Sport
