Israel Folau to fight breach at code of conduct hearing

Israel Folau will fight for his rugby career, set to challenge his breach at a code of conduct hearing.

Israel Folau will challenge his ‘high-level’ breach. Picture: Getty Images

Israel Folau has signalled his intention to fight for his rugby career, by responding today to Rugby Australia’s breach notice and asking for the matter to be referred to a code of conduct tribunal.

Margin Call: Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle earning every cent amid Israel Folau furore

Rugby Australia will now make arrangements with the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) to bring together the hearing.

Almost certainly it will be held after the Easter break, possibly as early as Monday. The hearing will comprise three representatives — one from RA, one from RUPA, which is the players’ trade union, and an independent commissioner. A simple 2-1 majority will suffice.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said Folau gave them a formal response today.

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle. Picture: AFP

“Israel has responded formally today to request a code of conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome. We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible,” Ms Castle said.

“After the date for the hearing is confirmed Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the code of conduct process has concluded.”

Even if RA wins the outcome, it loses — because that would result in Australian rugby losing arguably its only world-class back. Should the hearing go Folau’s way or even if the tribunal decides not to sack him but to impost a hefty fine and long-term suspension, it is doubtful whether the Wallabies and Waratahs fullback would ever play rugby in Australia again. RA officials are insistent that his teammates have lost faith in him which, if true, would leave him in an untenable position.

In that event, RA would be forced to attempt to reach a settlement with him, which could involve paying out his contract in part or in full.

The Wallabies star had until 2pm today to decide whether he would accept his termination or take further action, after Rugby Australia issued a formal breach notice on Monday.

Folau’s $4 million contract, which begun in February and was due to finish in 2022, was put in jeopardy after the 30-year-old posted to social media that homosexuals were destined for hell.

Folau’s plans to fight the breach come as England rugby star Billy Vunipola was issued a formal warning from the English Rugby Football Union for voicing his support for the Wallabies and Waratahs ace.

Folau is ineligible for selection while the matter plays out having been stood down indefinitely.