Israel Folau hits shops with wife Maria as future hangs in balance
Sacked Wallabies star Israel Folau has hit the shops in public for the first time since he decided not to appeal Rugby Australia’s decision to tear up his $4 million contract.
Sacked Wallabies star Israel Folau has emerged for the first time since he decided not to appeal Rugby Australia’s decision to tear up his $4 million contract.
Folau this week rejected the chance to appeal his sacking by Rugby Australia, instead indicating his preference to take the matter further.
Folau was pictured in Adelaide with his wife, Maria Folau, who plays for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Super Netball competition.
His former Super Rugby team the NSW Waratahs will attempt to get their fading finals hopes back on track when they take on Argentinean side the Jaguares at Parramatta’s Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night.
The Wallabies, minus Folau, hosted a pre-World Cup camp in Brisbane over the weekend.
Folau has engaged top lawyer Stuart Wood QC, with speculation he could seek to have the Fair Work Commission hear his case, rather than the Federal Court or NSW Supreme Court.
If Folau decides to take RA to the Fair work Commission he has until June 10 to lodge his complaint.
Under Fair Work Commission rules a person has two months from the date of their termination to take action.
“My decision not to commence Rugby Australia’s appeal process is in no way an acceptance of the judicial panel’s findings,” Folau said in a statement earlier this week.
“I simply do not have confidence in Rugby Australia’s ability to treat me fairly or lawfully throughout this process.”
Found guilty of a high-level breach of the sport’s Code of Conduct for his homophobic social media posts, Folau was notified on Friday that his four-year contract was being terminated.
He was given three days to lodge an appeal but chose not to.
“The 72-hour window for Israel Folau to appeal his high-level Code of Conduct breach and sanction has expired,” Rugby Australia said in a statement.
“As Folau has not notified the panel of his intention to appeal, the Code of Conduct process has now formally concluded.
“With the Code of Conduct matter complete, Folau’s employment contract will be terminated.”
Folau thanked his fans for their vocal support in the face of the sacking.
“The messages of support from fans, players, former rugby administrators and the public have been humbling,” he said.
“I believe I still have a lot of rugby left in me and the potential impact of Rugby Australia’s decision on my reputation and my career is substantial.
“Ultimately, I need to do what is best for my family, my teammates and the fans, so I am considering all potential avenues open to me.”
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