Israel Folau won’t apologise, likely looking for contract payout

Israel Folau refused to apologise and take down his controversial Instagram post during a terse meeting with Rugby Australia and it appears likely he is looking for his contract to be paid out.

Israel Folau has refused to apologise for his social media post. Picture: Getty Images

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Israel Folau refused to apologise and take down his controversial Instagram post during a terse meeting with Rugby Australia officials on Friday, as it looks increasingly likely that his battle to retain his contract becomes more of a strategy to receive a payout.

Folau intends on fronting a code of conduct hearing to present his case, which is set to include an argument that he is being punished for his religious beliefs after RA decided to terminate his employment over his homophobic comment.

Israel Folau has refused to apologise for his social media post. Picture: Getty Images

RA are expected to argue that Folau breached their code of conduct by bringing the game into disrepute and vilifying people based on their sexuality.

Insiders say it appears Folau has all but accepted he’ll likely never play for the Wallabies and Waratahs again, but wants a termination settlement on his $4 million salary.

The 30-year-old’s defiance in not apologising for his post or removing it creates an untenable situation.

Even if he wins his case, RA and Folau’s coaches will have no guarantee he will not post further offensive material, creating an unstable situation for the governing body and the teams he represents, the Wallabies and NSW.

RA’s major sponsors threatened not to renew their deals if Folau was not sacked, which would cost the game millions and potentially send them broke.

Originally published as Israel Folau won’t apologise, likely looking for contract payout