Folau’s sacking from Wallabies contract imminent after homophobic rant

Embattled Wallaby Israel Folau is preparing to fight moves by Rugby Australia to axe him.

Israel Folau pictured today. Picture: 7NEWS

High profile rugby union star Israel Folau has emerged for the first time since he made homophobic comments online which caused Rugby Australia to use every measure to terminate his $4 million contract.

As his career hangs in the balance, Foxsports.com.au reports that Folau was spotted with Rugby Union Players’ Association CEO Prataal Raj.

The 30-year-old was seen at a cafe in Sydney’s eastern suburbs this morning with his partner and two others looking very cheerful, despite the controversy surrounding his imminent release from the game.

The war of words engulfing Israel Folau doens't appear to be taking much of a toll on the Wallaby star... #9News pic.twitter.com/hv9uh0slEj

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) April 12, 2019

When asked by a Channel 9 reporter about how he felt about the prospect of his contract being torn up or if he regrets his actions, Folau remained silent as he stepped into a car.

The RUPA had said previously they did not condone Folau’s position but would work with him and the relevant rugby bodies to ensure he was treated fairly.

It is understood Folau intends to fight Rugby Australia’s move to sack him.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Folau is set to proceed with a code of conduct hearing before his employment can be officially ended.

Channel 9 also reports that Folau today met briefly with officials from the national governing body. Confirmation of his axing by Rugby Australia is expected to come today.

In a 10 minute meeting the @qantaswallabies have read Israel Folau the last rites ..career over @9NewsSyd has the pictures expect an ARU news conference this afternoon

— Damian Ryan (@DamoNews) April 12, 2019

Rugby Australia Chief Raelene Castle and NSW Rugby Union CEO Andrew Hore yesterday announced their intention to terminate Folau’s contract and a string of sponsors including Qantas, have distanced themselves from the player.

Israel Folau at the meeting today. Picture: 7NEWS

Sport Australia boss Kate Palmer commended Rugby Australia’s commended the announcement and urged all sports to follow suit.

“Discrimination is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in any sport or recreation environment, at whatever level,” she said.

The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie indicated that Folau would not be offered a contract playing NRL following the scrapping of his Wallabies contract, which was only signed in February.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika leaves Rugby Australia headquarters in Sydney today. Picture: AAP

“Israel Folau fails the NRL’s inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC,” Mr Beattie told AAP.

“The ARLC therefore would not support his registration to play NRL.”

Scott Morrison criticised Folau for making a “terribly insensitive comment” about gay people.

“It was a terribly insensitive comment and they have taken action as a result,” Mr Morrison told the ABC this morning.

“It is important that people act with love, care and compassion to their fellow citizens and to speak sensitively to their fellow Australians. That’s what I believe.”