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Home / Sport

Rugby: Israel Folau to Rugby Australia - I will fight for my career

NZ Herald
12 Apr, 2019 08:30 AM3 mins to read

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Rugby Australia look set to tear up Israel Folau's contract after he posted anti-gay comments on social media, The Highlanders take on the Crusaders while the Blues look to make it five in a row against the Chiefs

Israel Folau is fighting for his rugby career, but Rugby Australia are sticking to their stance.

Folau today met with Rugby Australia officials, including Raelene Castle, in a desperate attempt to keep his career alive.

However, Rugby Australia are refusing to budge, and are still set to use all their power to terminate his four-year contract.

Rugby Australia last night announced their intention to terminate the Wallabies star's contract - unless the organisation receive "compelling mitigating factors" - after he sparked controversy by posting a message on Instagram declaring "hell awaits" homosexuals unless they repent for their "sins".

At the time of that statement, Folau had failed to communicate directly with Rugby Australia or the New South Wales Rugby Union, but he is now in a quest to save his sporting career.

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Folau has the right to go through a code of conduct hearing before Rugby Australia can officially terminate his contract, and according to the Daily Telegraph, he intends to take part in the process.

But, Rugby Australia released a brief statement following their meeting with Folau on Friday, confirming the former NRL and AFL star has not yet convinced the governing body to overturn the organisation's commitment to terminate his contract.

"Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby Union have met with Israel Folau in Sydney today," RA stated.

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"As the meeting was held in confidence between the player and his employers, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will not comment on the discussions at the meeting.

"Following today's meeting the two organisations will update their respective boards on the matter to consider next steps.

"Our joint position regarding Israel Folau is unchanged."

Channel 9 cameras spotted Folau at a cafe in Sydney's eastern suburbs with his wife Maria and two other men but the 30-year-old wasn't in a talkative mood when approached by the network's reporter Hannah Sinclair.

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12 Apr 02:35 AM

Asked how he felt about his contract being torn up or if he regretted his actions, Folau said "no" before getting into a car and driving away.

He was also seen meeting with Rugby Union Players Association boss Prataal Raj to sort out his plans.

Folau was initially contracted until the end of 2022, but with the NRL also announcing that they will not employ Folau, his sporting career could be in tatters with no other options if his contract is indeed torn up.

"Earning $1 million a season, Folau must make a compelling case of mitigating factors at the code of conduct hearing if he is to overturn RA's decision," explained the Daily Telegraph.

Folau had just last week become Super Rugby's all-time leading try scorer, and if terminated, he would be unable to complete the season with the Waratahs or play for the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup.

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