MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 08:08:32| >> :600:4976762:4976762:

Israel Folau fails to appeal sacking after homophobic post

Israel Folau fails to appeal sacking after homophobic post
© Reuters
The 30-year-old's four-year deal was terminated last week.

Israel Folau is out of time to launch an appeal against Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract over homophobic social media posts.

Folau's £2.15million, four-year deal was ripped up on Friday after an independent panel backed RA's position that the comments he made on April 10 warranted his sacking rather than a fine or suspension.

The 30-year-old devout Christian said on his Instagram account that "hell awaits" for "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters" in a post that remains visible.

On Friday, Folau said he was considering his options after being left "deeply saddened" by the outcome.

But with the 72-hour window to trigger a second code of conduct hearing now expired, Rugby Australia confirmed Folau had not contacted the panel about an appeal.

In a statement, it said: "As Folau has not notified the panel of his intention to appeal, the Code of Conduct process has now formally concluded.

"With the Code of Conduct matter complete, Folau's employment contract will be terminated."

A report in Australia last week suggested Folau will pursue a different route by taking RA to the Supreme Court.

His statement last week after the panel gave its approval of his sacking said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Australia and my home state of New South Wales, playing the game I love.

"I am deeply saddened by today's decision to terminate my employment and I am considering my options.

"As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expressions.

"The Christian faith has always been part of my life and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God's words.

"Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work or play for my club and country.

"Thank you also to those who have spoken out in my defence, some of whom do not share my beliefs but have defended my right to express them."

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '3966ad2b-b231-4a73-bd34-bd112ce5ae2c');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:rugby-union');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'No appeal by Israel Folau over sacking \u2013 Rugby Australia'});

ID:359760: cacheID:359760:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5315:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Israel Folau pictured during an Australia training session in November 2018
Read Next:
Israel Folau guilty of "high-level" conduct breach for homophobic post
>
Read more about Israel Folau Rugby Union
rhs 2.0
Today's games header

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!