Folau still facing contract termination after meeting with Rugby Australia
Folau’s homophobic remarks have incurred the wrath of many, including the likes of former team-mate Drew Mitchell.
Israel Folau has been told by Rugby Australia that it still intends terminating his contract despite meeting with the Wallabies full-back to discuss his latest homophobic remarks.
Folau said on his Instagram account on Wednesday that “hell awaits” for “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators.” The post has not been deleted.
The 30-year-old, a Christian who holds deeply religious views, was warned last year for making homophobic comments on social media but escaped disciplinary action.
A meeting has since been held at the union’s headquarters in Sydney and while the RA’s position is unchanged, the Wallabies face the prospect of entering this autumn’s World Cup without one of the game’s most gifted players.
“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,” a statement read.
“Following the meeting the two organisations will update their respective boards on the matter to consider next steps. Our joint position regarding Israel Folau is unchanged.”
Folau has been stood down by his Super Rugby franchise the Waratahs amid reports he was planning to attend training on Monday after completion of their bye weekend.
The Rugby Union Players’ Association accompanied Folau to the talks and revealed in a statement that he intends to honour his contract, adding that the RA’s code of conduct must be followed during any disciplinary action.
But there has been widespread condemnation of his remarks, including from former Wallabies team-mate Drew Mitchell.
Upon returning to international rugby in 2015, Mitchell was a regular in the same back three as Folau, playing alongside him in the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand that same year.
“I think it’s time for Israel to be moved on,” Mitchell told foxsports.com.au.
“He’s put himself before the game, he’s put himself before his teammates and he’s isolated himself to the point where there’s only one decision for Rugby Australia where he has to go.
“If Israel Folau doesn’t want to be involved in a sport that’s inclusive then he should go find another sport because he’s proven time and time again that he doesn’t share those inclusive values.”
Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison, who is also a Pentecostal Christian, believes Folau is guilty of forgetting his responsibility as a role model.
If RA is legally able to fulfil its wishes and discard Folau, then the 73-cap veteran’s options are dwindling.
A return to his roots in union’s rival code has been ruled out after the Australian Rugby League stated he would not be welcome because of his views, and now his most likely destination in Europe has also rejected the possibility of signing him.
“The guy is a moron, he must leave. Or you have to buy a brain,” Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal told L’Equipe.
