Wallabies and Waratahs star Israel Folau is set to be sacked by Rugby Australia following an anti-gay social media post.
Folau posted an image on his personal Instagram which stated homosexuals were destined for hell, with reports Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union intend to terminate Folau’s multimillion-dollar four-year contract.
RA chief executive Raelene Castle and NSWRU boss Andrew Hore wrote in a joint statement: “In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.
“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. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.
“Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality.
The post, which Folau has not removed despite the backlash, follows on from a similar homophobic comment he made this time last year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwEWt2uHcLI/
RA’s sponsors, including major partner Qantas, have put pressure on Rugby Australia to take action against Folau.
Qantas and RA are currently in the middle of negotiating a new sponsorship deal, with Qantas saying Folau’s comments were “really disappointing”.