Rugby Australia set to axe Israel Folau [1]
Friday, April 12, 2019 - 11:19. Updated on Friday, April 12, 2019 - 11:31.
The CEOs of Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union issued a joint statement yesterday announcing intentions to terminate contracts with Wallaby and NSW Waratahs star player Israel Folau because of a meme he recently shared on Instagram calling on “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators” to repent. Israel stated under the meme that "Those that are living in Sin will end up in hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him".
The joint statement said “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.”
Statement from Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle and NSW Rugby Union CEO, Andrew Hore:
"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.
"In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract."