Folau, Rugby Australia given last chance to settle differences

NEWS: Israel Folau and Rugby Australia have been given a last chance to settle their differences before an industrial tribunal begins lengthy and costly proceedings following his sacking over controversial comments.

Australia’s employment watchdog, the Fair Work Commission, told Rugby Australia to hold talks with the deeply religious 30-year-old, who lost his Aus$4.0 million ($2.8 million) contract over a controversial post on Instagram.

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Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 KJV _______________ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 KJV _______________ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:30 KJV _______________

A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:18am PDT

The Wallabies fullback last week said he had no confidence in Rugby Australia’s internal dispute settlement process and was seeking “substantial remedies” via the tribunal.

READ: Folau saga: Cheika finally breaks his silence

It is understood Folau’s legal team and Rugby Australia officials will sit down for the face-to-face talks in Sydney on June 28.

If the two parties are unable to resolve the matter, the case will proceed to a formal hearing.

Only four percent of unfair dismissal matters lodged with the commission normally go to a formal hearing, according to the tribunal.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Folau would be seeking Aus$10 million in damages for lost sponsorship and marketing opportunities, a sum it said could bankrupt Rugby Australia.

The action, which names both Rugby Australia and his Super Rugby club the Waratahs, claims a breach of contract and unlawful termination under the Fair Work Act, which protects employees from being sacked because of their religion.