Israel Folau meets Rugby Australia but still faces axe

Rugby Australia have confirmed it met with Israel Folau on Friday but remain determined to terminate the star Wallaby‘s contract over homophobic social media posts.

After more than 24 hours of attempting to contact Folau, Rugby Australia and New South Wales Rugby met with the 30-year-old at the Rugby Australia offices.

That came after Folau was seen meeting with Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) CEO Prataal Raj in Sydney’s south-east on Friday morning.

“Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union have met with Israel Folau in Sydney today,” a Rugby Australia statement said.

“As the meeting was held in confidence between the player and his employers, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will not comment on the discussions at the meeting.

“Following today’s meeting the two organisations will update their respective boards on the matter to consider next steps.

“Our joint position regarding Israel Folau is unchanged.”

Media reports indicated Folau intends to fight to save his career in Australian rugby, given the NRL closed the door on welcoming him back into rugby league and the negative reaction from overseas regarding his post.

Regardless, Rugby Australia intends to push on with their plans to terminate his four-year, multi-million dollar contract which was only announced in February.

The bombshell is a result of Folau posting an “unacceptable” image on his Instagram account, listing homosexuals among a group that would end up in hell.

Rugby Australia were furious with Folau’s move, coming almost a year to the day after he had posted similar content and been warned to tone down his divisive posts.

“Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport,” a joint Rugby AU and NSW Rugby statement said on Thursday night.

“We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.”

RUPA intend to ensure Folau is given fair treatment in the process, though the players’ organisation distanced itself from the content of his posts in a statement on Thursday.

“It is imperative that the proper process is followed under the Code of Conduct,” the statement read.

“We will continue to work with Israel, his representatives, NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia to ensure this occurs.”

It remains unclear whether Folau will be required to face a code of conduct hearing as part of the termination process.

Reaction to Rugby Australia’s decision was mixed, with many supportive of the strong leadership shown and others criticising the organisation for what they viewed as an infringement on Folau’s freedom of religious expression.

Folau’s younger brother John, who is also contracted with the Waratahs, seemingly posted on Instagram in support of Israel on Friday.

Brumbies captain Christian Lealiifano said players have to be more careful about what they post on social media in the wake of Folau’s controversial posts.

Speaking at the Brumbies’ captain’s run on Friday morning, Lealiifano became the first Australian Super Rugby player to comment after news of Rugby Australia’s announcement that they plan to sack Folau over his latest Instagram post.

While Lealiifano wouldn’t comment on Folau’s situation specifically, when asked about players’ social media use, he admitted everyone had to be careful when posting.

“I’m probably not in a position to answer those, I don’t really want to get involved in all that stuff,” he said.

“I’m just excited about Joey’s 50th game, back in front of our home fans in Canberra (in reference to Brumbies scrum-half Joe Powell, who will make his 50th appearance for the Brumbies against the Lions in Canberra on Saturday).

“We’re trying to put a positive light on our footy. Get excited about rugby in Australia and rugby in Canberra and hopefully we can get a good crowd tomorrow night.

“I think we’re always conscious of it – with the last day and a half, (the message is) probably just to be more careful of what we’re doing. Guys are always trying to promote the game as well as we can.”

One of Folau’s former team-mates, ex-Wallaby Drew Mitchell, said the star full-back had left Rugby Australia with little choice when it came to their decision.

“Rugby’s an inclusive game for all,” Mitchell told Fox Sports.

“We play in a game that is inclusive of everything: race, religion, gender, sexuality, all of it. We’re an inclusive sport.

“If Israel Folau doesn’t want to be involved in a sport that’s inclusive then he should go find another sport because he’s proven time and time again that he doesn’t share those inclusive values.

“I think it’s time for Israel to be moved on.

“He’s left Rugby Australia with only one decision and I think he knew that he was going to do that by posting these things, and perhaps that’s his motivation by doing it.”

Sports Australia CEO Kate Palmer backed Rugby Australia’s decision in a statement earlier on Friday.

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

“Everyone is entitled to their own views, but expressing divisive and discriminatory beliefs is harmful to sport and the broader Australian community.

“When people of influence use their public profiles to demean and discriminate, we cannot allow such divisive comments to go unchecked.

“As a sporting industry, we must stand together and call out against any form of discrimination whether it is based on sexuality, race, gender or disability.

“Sport Australia’s message is that sport and physical activity is to be enjoyed by everyone. We stand for inclusivity, diversity and sport for all.

“I commend Rugby Australia, they have shown they are willing to place their sport’s values above all else.”

The NRL on Thursday night ruled out the possibility of Folau returning to rugby league, where he began his sporting career.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter Beattie said Folau would not be welcomed back into the code.

“Israel Folau doesn’t pass our inclusiveness culture, which is a policy strongly supported by the ARLC,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“And after talking to some commissioners tonight (Thursday), we don’t support him playing rugby league again.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is also of the Christian faith, said Folau’s comments were insensitive.

“I thought they were terribly insensitive comments and obviously that was a matter for the ARU and they’ve taken that decision,” he told ABC News on Friday.

“It is important that people act with love, care and compassion to their fellow citizens and to speak sensitively to their fellow Australians.”