Israel Folau claims no religious comments clause in contract

Israel Folau says there was no clause prohibiting him from sharing religious beliefs | LISTEN

Israel Folau claims Raelene Castle agreed he could air his religious beliefs in public. .

Israel Folau has said Rugby Australia’s decision to scrap his contract over religious comments he made was “inconsistent” because there was no clause in the contract that prohibited him from sharing his religious beliefs outside the workplace.

The 30-year-old Wallaby star’s $5 million contract was ripped up by Rugby Australia following religious comments he made on Instagram claiming homosexuals were “destined for hell”.

In his first interview since being dumped from the sport, Folau told 2GB host Alan Jones that his contract never had a clause relating to sharing his religious beliefs.

Folau said after a previous incident last year, he was spoken to by Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle.

“I had a meeting with Raelene and we spoke about the potential effect it (his religious comments) can have on winning the game,” Folau said.

“She said I was still able to share my religious beliefs but just do it in a more respectful way.”

Jones pointed out that players who were facing court for “beating their partners” and caught drink driving were still able to play the game from which he had been banned.

“A lot of this stuff doesn’t make any sense … it’s been a little bit inconsistent and it’s been tough but there is a legal process in place already,” Folau said.

Was there a clause in your contract not to post about your religious beliefs?

"No, absolutely not." https://t.co/2BWLIOsf43

— 2GB 873 (@2GB873) June 20, 2019

“A lot of people out there have their opinions and views on the situation but it’s all done and dusted now. I’m just thinking of the process that’s happening right now.”

Folau admitted it had been a “tough few months” for him and his wife Maria as they face an ongoing legal battle tipped to cost in excess of $3 million.

It comes as Qantas, a major sponsor of the Wallabies, revealed its part in Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate Folau’s contract.

Folau said he considered the termination of his rugby contract “unlawful” and today launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for legal costs tipped to be in excess of $3 million.

Just six and a half hours after the page went live, $9,221 had already been donated. By 8.30am, the donations were closing on $70,000.