Rugby Australia plans to sack Folau over controversial social media posts

Rugby Australia intends to terminate Israel Folau’s contract following his latest controversial social media posts.

The Australia and Waratahs full-back sparked further outrage with his opinions on homosexuality and gender on Wednesday.

Folau avoided punishment last year after stating homosexuals should go to “hell” unless they “repent their sins and turn to God”.

Rugby Australia described devout Christian Folau’s latest posts as “unacceptable” and revealed on Thursday it plans to sack the 30-year-old but has not been able to contact him.

A Rugby Australia statement said: “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.

“Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.

“Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality.

“Rugby is a sport that continuously works to unite people. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our game and no vilification based on race, gender, religion or sexuality is acceptable and no language that isolates, divides or insults people based on any of those factors can be tolerated.

“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.”

Folau posted a message on Instagram that stated “hell awaits” drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters along with “REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES”.

He added: “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.”

Folau also caused a stir with his stance on the passing of legislation in Tasmania that makes gender optional on birth certificates and allow people 16 years and older to legally change gender without parental contest.

He tweeted: “The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free.”

Qantas, the Wallabies’ major sponsor, said it is awaiting the outcome of Rugby Australia’s review after condemning Folau’s comments.

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