Israel Folau unreachable while stern statement confirms contract is about to be terminated by Rugby Australia

Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs fullback Israel Folau will learn his fate shortly, as soon as Rugby Australia and his club union can get hold of him. Today they issued a stern response to his social media posts, and it’s not looking good for the prolific try-scorer.

There was a huge backlash across the rugby world yesterday, with many high profile current and former players as well and fans condemning the comments.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle and NSW Rugby Union CEO, Andrew Hore have issued the following statement in relation to Israel Folau.

“Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have made repeated attempts to contact Israel both directly and via his representatives since 6.30pm on Wednesday, and at this point he has failed to communicate directly with either organisation.

“Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.

“Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality.

“Rugby is a sport that continuously works to unite people. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our game and no vilification based on race, gender, religion or sexuality is acceptable and no language that isolates, divides or insults people based on any of those factors can be tolerated.

“As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.

“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.”

Watch a video report that covers the story below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0yt9Tecy5k

credit: onenews/nzrugbyvids