Rugby Australia’s code of conduct hearing has finalised a decision to terminate Israel Folau’s contract after a three-day hearing last week.
Folau has a 72-hour window in which he can request an appeal, and also has the option of taking his case to a higher authority.
“While Rugby Australia accepts the panel’s decision directing termination of Israel Folau’s playing contract for his high-level breach of the Code of Conduct, we want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game,” said Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle.
“Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action.
“This has been an extremely challenging period for Rugby and this issue has created an unwanted distraction in an important year for the sport and for the Wallabies team. But our clear message to all rugby fans today is that we need to stand by our values and the qualities of inclusion, passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.
“I’ve communicated directly with the players to make it clear that Rugby Australia fully supports their right to their own beliefs and nothing that has happened changes that. But when we are talking about inclusiveness in our game, we’re talking about respecting differences as well.”
The decision originates from a homophobic Instagram post made by Folau in April which stated that “Hell awaits” homosexuals along with other ‘sinners’. It was not the first occasion where Folau has posted homophobic material on social media.
Rugby Australia made repeated attempts to contact Folau after the post, but when he failed to respond they announced a decision to terminate his contract.
Folau requested a code of conduct hearing, with a three-day hearing last week supporting Rugby Australia’s judgment that Folau had committed a ‘high-level breach’ of the organisation’s code of conduct.
The panel has now also found in favour of Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate Folau’s contract.
Folau also confirmed earlier this week that Rugby Australia had attempted to negotiate a compromise that would see him welcomed back into the organisation if he deleted the post in question.
However, Folau refused this offer, and has made no apologies for his behaviour.
He also reportedly knocked back a $1 million settlement offer from Rugby Australia.
Rugby Australia have reportedly already paid as much as $350,000 in legal fees while negotiating this process.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Nah, don't worry Neutral (I meant to call you that), it's all good, I'm unusual these days, have been insulted by professionals and have a thick skin. Good on you for the apology though. It takes a big person to apologise.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
For sure. And again, poor taste from me and I am sorry for that.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Call me crazy but I have assumed that 3 different QC's in 3 different capacities coming to the same conclusion, likely got it right.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Another stylish comment Spruce.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Well I'm not clear about the professional code TWAS, but the CoC is, in my view, not worth the paper it's printed on.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
In what way do we not know our history Aiden?
Malotru
Roar Rookie
No worries Swede, can we still be friends?
AndyS
Guest
Sure...
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
You’re still not making any sense.
AndyS
Guest
If you say so, but then why would anyone listen to someone who so clearly only has a problem with Folau because he's an Islander? Hey, you're right, that is much easier than having a real opinion...
Neil
Guest
Subjective vs objective truth is a pretty big deal. I can't re-hash all the text on it here.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
yeah I admit, that was poor taste from me.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Stylish Neutral, Stylish. Is that seriously the best retort you can come up with?
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Nonsensical response.
AndyS
Guest
As did Folau originally. Joyce still directly commented on the issue. The CEO of Asics hasn't. No idea if he has been asked or not, but either way he has taken no part. Nor has he ratcheted the pressure on RA, merely (and understandably) pulled Folau's personal sponsorship. And nor is that decision conflicted by his business being underpinned by, say, a major contract with the Brunei government. But I understand what you are saying...you can't argue the actual point, but don't like it, so fall back on arguing discrimination. Straight out of the same box as "Raelene Castle is doing an absolutely brilliant job, and anyone who says otherwise obviously just hates women".
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
He didn’t ‘jump in’ - he responded to a question. But I do find it odd that there is no questioning of (for instance) the CEO of ASICS - who have dropped Folau as a sponsor. I presume that CEO isn’t gay...
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Daz, cos according to twassie thats okay cos theres money in it for qantas..
amband
Roar Rookie
it must go to court as the RA decision will have influence on bosses in the workplace and individuals will have their rights to express themselves limited, not by law, but by the firm this has ramifications
amband
Roar Rookie
it must go to court as the RA decision will have influence on bosses in the workplace and individuals will have their rights to express themselves limited, not by law, but by the firm
Bobby
Roar Rookie
If successful $10m is very wide of the mark. But it still wouldn't bankeyot RA. A $10m loan would cost , say at 6% interest only, $600k per year. So, about 16 or 17 years in which to find the principal. No worries!