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Associated Press

Rugby Australia has terminated star full back Israel Folau’s contract after he was found guilty of a high-level breach of the players’ code of conduct for a social media post that condemned gay people and other “sinners” to eternal damnation.
The 30-year-old Folau was found guilty on May 7 after a hearing following the online posts in mid-April.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle told a news conference Friday that the sport’s national governing body had accepted the sanction of the code of conduct panel, adding that Folau had left them with no choice but to terminate his four-year contract.
Folau is expected to appeal the decision in an Australian court.

His dismissal throws Australia’s preparations into turmoil for the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in September in Japan.


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Rugby World Cup 2019

Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia after hearing ratifies contract termination

Israel Folau has been sacked by Rugby Australia. Photo: AFP

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle speaks at a press conference at the Rugby Australia head office in Sydney on May 17, 2019. - Wallabies star Israel Folau was sacked on May 17, 2019 for making an anti-gay statement on social media, signalling an end to his glittering career in Australia. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Has Rugby Australia contradicted itself in the Israel Folau ruling? A look into its now infamous ‘Inclusion Policy’

Israel Folau has reopened a contentious debate about free speech. Photo: AFP

Australian rugby union player Israel Folau leaves a Code of Conduct hearing in Sydney, Sunday, May 5, 2019. The 30-year-old Folau appeared before the hearing to fight Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract after he posted in mid-April on social media that gay people, along with other "sinners," will face damnation unless they repent. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

epa07500176 (FILE) - Israel Folau of Australia celebrates during the 2018 Rugby Union Championship game between the Pumas of Argentina and the Wallabies of Australia at the Ernesto Martearena Stadium in Salta, Argentina, 06 October 2018. Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union say on 11 April 2019 that 'as a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.' 'In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.' EPA-EFE/JAN TOUZEAU

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 24, 2018 Australia's full-back Israel Folau scores a try during the international rugby union test match between England and Australia at Twickenham stadium in south-west London. - Israel Folau has requested a code of conduct hearing, Rugby Australia said on April 17, 2019 after the governing body moved to sack the star Wallabies fullback over anti-gay comments. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

Sport

Rugby


Star player’s termination throws Wallabies World Cup plans into disarray



.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Star player’s termination throws Wallabies World Cup plans into disarray

Star player’s termination throws Wallabies World Cup plans into disarray