Over and out: Israel Folau brings accounts back online

Israel Folau’s social media accounts disappeared on the eve of his court battle, but tonight re-emerged.

Israel Folau was sacked for alleged high-level breaches of the professional player code of conduct over social media posts. Picture: AAP

Israel Folau scrubbed his ­online social media presence temporarily today, ­deleting his Twitter and Instagram accounts in anticipation of his legal battle with Rugby Australia, only to reinstate them this evening.

Folau’s posts on Instagram led Rugby Australia to tear up his contract. He had ­posted in April that “drunks, ­homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” would go to hell unless they repented.

Both his Instagram and Twitter profiles were deleted today, weeks after Folau tweeted that he had begun court proceedings against Rugby Australia.

Rugby Australia today filed an application with the Federal Circuit Court for the case to be heard by the Federal Court.

In the alternative, Rugby Australia have asked the court venue be shifted to Sydney.

The case is listed for a directions hearing in Melbourne this morning and the appropriate venue for the proceeding is now likely to be a key issue.

Folau is claiming unfair dismissal after his contract was terminated for uploading “religious content” on his social media ­accounts.

“This benign conduct, which the community accepts is a recognised fundamental human right and freedom, did not justify any punitive action being taken against him by his employer under the Player Contract or otherwise,” Folau’s claim states.

Folau, 30, played rugby league and rugby union for Australia and also played professional AFL. In his rugby union career, he was capped 63 times for the Wallabies. In July, Folau said: “I confirm I have commenced court proceedings against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs. Thank you to those who have supported me over this journey — it has meant so much to Maria and me. God bless.”

Folau was sacked for alleged high-level breaches of the professional player code of conduct over the social media posts, which he said were an expression of his religious beliefs.

He is suing for ­financial compensation and the right to resume his career, and is due to appear in the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne tomorrow.