‘You’re damaging the game’ – Rod Kafer slams Israel Folau
Israel Folau of the Waratahs reacts during the Round 5 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the NSW Waratahs at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Friday, March 15, 2019. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)
Former Wallaby Rod Kafer has criticised sacked full-back Israel Folau after the feud between him and Rugby Australia took another ugly turn.
Earlier in the week, Folau announced that he would take legal action against the governing body and is reportedly seeking up to $10 million in damages.
The ex-Waratahs player was then upset about information over the code of conduct hearing being leaked to the media, but RA responded in a statement.
“While we accept that a PR firm has been engaged to coordinate a media campaign to promote the legal action taken against Rugby Australia, we are disappointed that this campaign is impacting on the work done by the thousands of volunteers who are delivering great experiences for the rugby community and also that it has taken the focus away from a crucial Australian Super Rugby derby, being played by Israel’s former team,” it read.
“Rugby Australia has acted with complete professionalism and integrity at all times through the process in which Mr Folau was found by an independent three-member tribunal panel to have made multiple, serious breaches of the Professional Players Code of Conduct.
“While we will continue to respond to any legal action as required and will continue to defend the values that underpin our game and the work done by the hard working volunteers, we will not engage in a running media commentary.”
2018 vs 2019
When words & actions aren’t aligned….
The fact @RugbyAU intend to terminate @IzzyFolau contract would suggest it’s become untenable.
I would hate to think Izzy is a liar because we know what happens to them.. pic.twitter.com/47YS7rxRiS
— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) April 17, 2019
Kafer, speaking on Fox Sports during the Waratahs’ Super Rugby encounter against the Brumbies, has now weighed in and believes that Folau should “walk away”.
“The great shame is that this is a guy who we all respected and loved as a player,” he said.
“He said in the PlayersVoice, in his own words, talked about his conversation with Raelene Castle and said: ‘If I’m damaging the game I would walk away from my contract immediately’.
“Israel, you’re damaging the game. It is just, to me, a man who I believe has great faith but he is really, really damaging the game.
“At some point you’ve got to live the words that you say with action. He should walk away.”