AusLeisure

Former Wallaby and New South Wales rugby union player, Israel Folau today confirmed he will not appeal Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate his employment contract. Folau cited a lack of confidence in Rugby Australia’s management of the judicial panel process.

Folau's Australian rugby union four-year, $4 million contract was terminated due to his breach of the players' code of conduct. A panel ruled that Folau was guilty of a "high-level breach" of the players' code over his controversial social media posts, including one proclaiming hell awaits "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters."

In response to the termination of his contract, Folau stated "the last few weeks and, in particular, the last 72 hours have given me considerable opportunity to reflect and think about my future.

“I will not be exercising my right to appeal Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate my employment contract.”

“My decision not to commence Rugby Australia’s appeal process is in no way an acceptance of the judicial panel’s findings.

“I simply do not have confidence in Rugby Australia’s ability to treat me fairly or lawfully throughout this process.”

While he is not appealing the ruling through Rugby Australia’s judicial process, Folau confirmed he is considering his options in the face of growing discontent with the way Rugby Australia has handled his code of conduct hearing.

Folau concluded “the messages of support from fans, players, former rugby administrators and the public have been humbling.

“I believe I still have a lot of rugby left in me and the potential impact of Rugby Australia’s decision on my reputation and my career is substantial.

“Ultimately, I need to do what is best for my family, my teammates and the fans, so I am considering all potential avenues open to me."

Image: Israel Folau promotes the Bingham Cup, the 'world cup of gay rugby' in 2014.

Related Articles

17th May 2019 - Israel Folau’s Australian rugby union contract terminated due to code of conduct breach 

7th May 2019 - Israel Folau guilty of breaching Rugby Australia’s code of conduct

3rd May 2019 - Why Israel Folau’s social media posts are harmful

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.