Israel Folau, Rugby Australia reach settlement over ARU sacking
Israel Folau thanked God after receiving an apology and confidential multi-million dollar payout from Rugby Australia following an eight-month legal saga.
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Israel Folau claimed “vindication” after receiving an apology and confidential multi-million dollar payout from Rugby Australia following an eight-month legal saga.
The matter was finally resolved after a second round of mediation talks, allowing both parties to walk away from the messy battle before it reached court next February.
Sources revealed it was a multi-million dollar payout figure, however with all involved signing strict confidentiality agreements the exact figure remains unknown.
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“With today’s acknowledgment and apology by Rugby Australia, we have been vindicated and can now move on with our lives to focus on our faith and our family,” Folau said in a video after the hearing.
Hours earlier, RA had released a statement saying: “While it was not Rugby Australia’s intention, Rugby Australia acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus. Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused.”
The Daily Telegraph understands RA’s apology was in relation to unanticipated backlash Folau and his wife Maria received from the public over their views.
Statement from Israel Folau: “With today’s acknowledgment and apology by Rugby Australia, we have been vindicated and can now move on with our lives to focus on our faith and our family.
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) December 4, 2019
Maria and I would like to thank God for his guidance and strength.â€
Donors who gave to the Folau campaign will be contacted in due course and are entitled to refunds on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with our original commitment.
— Martyn Iles (@MartynLloydIles) December 4, 2019
Thank you all for contributing to an important result for religious freedom.
Folau called on the Australian government to strengthen laws to protect religious expression, after his total $5.7 million contract was terminated by RA and NSW Rugby because the Wallabies star posted a meme on Instagram warning that gays were destined for hell unless they repented.
“We started this journey on behalf of all people of faith to protect their rights of freedom of speech and religion,” Folau said.
“We now look forward to the Federal Government enacting the legislation necessary to further protect and strengthen these rights for all Australians.”
RA chief executive Raelene Castle, already under fire for the handling of Folau’s contract negotiations last year, his termination and ensuing legal headache, negotiated the settlement deal via teleconference from Sydney.
In their statement, RA reiterated that they could not tolerate Folau’s controversial views.
“Mr Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the grounds of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity,’ the RA statement said.
“Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby do not in any way agree with the content of the social media post. Inclusiveness is one of rugby’s core values and it welcomes all people to the game, including all members of the LGBTI community.”
Folau had managed to raise $2 million for his legal campaign from donors through the Australian Christian Lobby.
Given the matter did not proceed to a court hearing next year, ACL boss Martyn Iles said donors would be given refunds.
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Folau’s legal team had last week demanded a total payout of $14 million over the loss of his contract and future earnings, claiming he could have captained the Wallabies and received significant money after retirement.
Most viewed that as a legal manoeuvre to pressure RA before the mediation talks began on Monday. That meeting went for 13 hours before the two parties agreed to continue talks on Wednesday.
After a further three hours of discussions, the two parties reached their settlement.
Folau is unlikely to land a sporting contract in Australia, and even rich foreign club owners are reticent to sign the high flyer given his extreme beliefs and refusal to keep them off social media.
Some close to Folau expect him to follow in the footsteps of his father Eni, and become a full-time preacher at their Truth Of Jesus Christ Church in Sydney.
Originally published as Israel Folau, Rugby Australia reach settlement over ARU sacking