Update
Israel Folau has been found guilty of breaching Rugby Australia’s code of conduct on Tuesday evening.
No sanction has been handed down as yet.
An official release from Rugby Australia reads.
“The panel has today provided a judgement that Israel Folau committed a high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct with his social media posts on April 10, 2019.
The panel will now take further written submissions from the parties to consider the matter of sanction.”
» Full story: Israel Folau found guilty of breaching Rugby Australia code of conduct
Article as follows
Israel Folau’s epic code of conduct hearing has entered a 19th hour in Sydney but there’s unlikely to be a decision by the end of the day.
Israel Folau has now spent more than twice as long holed up at his code of conduct hearing as he’s played Super Rugby for the NSW Waratahs in 2019.
Folau’s epic fight to save his Australian rugby career has entered a 19th hour, with talk the dual international’s legal team will be required to continue arguing his case against Rugby Australia for a fourth day on Wednesday.
The Wallabies superstar’s landmark hearing resumed at the offices of Herbert Smith Freehills in Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday after some of the brightest brains in the land spent the weekend debating the complex case at RA headquarters.
RA earlier said the three-person panel was not expected to reach a decision on Tuesday, but it was hoped that the severity of any breach of Folau’s four-year, $4 million contract would be determined.
While the governing body appears intent on terminating Folau’s contract for his provocative social media posts, NSW Waratahs chairman Roger Davis has called for “common sense” and a settlement.
“This is a no-win situation for the game and fans and I’d like to see it resolved as quickly as possible,” Davis told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I think a settlement is a common sense approach … it would be smart. If this goes for a long time there are definitely no winners.
“Let’s see if we can bring some common sense to the table and work out a solution that keeps everyone happy but with a three-party deal that’s not as easy as it sounds.”
The outcome of the hearing could range from Folau being free to return to training and playing with the Waratahs up to termination, with fines or suspensions also options depending on the verdict.
If there’s no settlement, it’s likely either Folau or RA will appeal any decision, meaning a second code of conduct hearing – with a new independent panel – will be required.
Peter Kelly
Guest
The saga that just keeps on giving.
Blame game
Guest
I love the way Roy masters portrayed jack de Belin as some kind of Saint (unintentional pun) because he still turns up to training and Folau is a bad guy because he doesn't. Bizarre comparison for different circumstances. (BTW I am making no comment on De Belins guilt or innocence)
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Rob It might be rather refreshing actually. CEO, Coach, Director of Rugby (new cost) and all directors in office (at say @ 30.06.17) goodbye? Invite our Geoff P, Ewen Mck and myself to join board, and Nick B to be coach, and Pocock as new captain. And from what I read online today, tell R Davis time he retired long ago. KP
SandBox
Roar Guru
Did he mean the contract he was on when he said this, or the current contract? As at the time, he was up for renewal after he said it. He could have just meant at the end of the old contract he’d move on. Possibly during contract renewals he didn’t accept the SM clause because of this. This is all speculation, as we only know reports on what is or isn’t in his contract
Bodger
Roar Rookie
Certainly not a man of his word anyhow. "After we'd all talked, I told Raelene [Castle] if she felt the situation had become untenable – that I was hurting Rugby Australia, its sponsors and the Australian rugby community to such a degree that things couldn't be worked through – I would walk away from my contract, immediately,"
RbbAnonymous
Roar Rookie
I would suggest that Rugby Australia is has having difficulties because they don't have a strong case. Imagine the outrage if Folau wins this case and gets a huge payout to boot. It's very likely and it won't be a great look for Rugby Australia. It will be rather embarrassing.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I don't think it is a case of saving his rugby career. More likely saving his $4 million contract. From what has been in the media neither the Tahs nor the Wallabies look like selecting him.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Slam dunk eh?
aussierad
Roar Rookie
Sheikh Khalifa is ready to donate $$ to Qantas and RA...just don't tell him what's it is for as I get the impression he doesn't like gay people. Punishments for LGBT range from jail time, floggings, beatings, torture, death. The fornicators and adulterers should also note that adultery and fornication are also crimes punished with death.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
mmm 4 day panel hearing 4 day panel hearing # 2 (process before court) 4 appearance days (minimum?) in run up to first round of court litigation... Where is $50M when you need it?
Bamboo
Guest
I bet Herbert Smith Freehills Xmas party this year will be an absolute boomer!