Embattled rugby player, Israel Folau is expected to launch legal action after having his Rugby Australia contract cancelled up over remarks he made on gay people that has caused an uproar.
Folau was found guilty of a “high-level breach” of their code of conduct for professional players after a religious post on April 10 which “warned” that “hell awaits” homosexuals if they do not “repent” their sins.
The tweet led to Folau’s contract being terminated by the governing body after a three-person panel hearing but it is unlikely to be the end of the matter as he is expected to skip the option of a second code of conduct hearing and head straight to court to take legal action, claiming he has been unfairly dismissed due to his religious beliefs.
An unrepentant @IzzyFolau has broken his silence over his shattered career, taking to the pulpit at his church to tell his congregation that he's resisting temptation to find an easy way back to rugby. @MattCarmichael #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/gr5v1U9y82
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) May 12, 2019
Folau is understood to have already rejected a $1million settlement from Rugby Australia, and he is now understood to be determined to fight his case in court which was meant to make him silent over the matter.
He has recently stated his primary objective is not money and Rugby Australia is now facing a major legal battle having already spent more than $350,000 on legal fees to get Folau sacked. The case comes at a time when Rugby Australia is in a precarious financial situation, facing a $8million shortfall in revenue due to a reduced number of home Test matches in a World Cup year.
Folau, widely regarded as one of the games most talented players, is said to be done with rugby and rejected the chance to take down his post and be allowed to continue playing having demonstrated remorse.