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Folau seeks donations to fund legal case

Sacked dual-code rugby star Israel Folau has launched a bid to raise donations from the public to fight his legal case against Rugby Australia.

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Folau, whose contract with the Australian union’s governing body was terminated in May over social media posts, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise the AU$3 million says he needs to cover costs in his bid to seek reinstatement.

The 30-year-old Wallabies back says he has already spent more than AU$100,000 of his own money in fees which are expected to rise to millions of dollars.

The fund had raised over AU$7,000 (and counting) in one day.

“I believe the termination of my contract is unlawful, which is why I have started legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW,” Folau, who also posted a video on his own website, said on the GoFundMe website.

“In response, Rugby Australia have already said that they will ‘divert significant resources’ to fight me in court.

“Even if I win, Rugby Australia can appeal. There is every chance that a prominent test case like this could take years and eventually end up in the High Court of Australia.

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“My wife Maria and I have already spent over AU$100,000 of our own money and that was just to try and deal with Rugby Australia’s internal tribunal processes. The money I am asking for is solely to fund the rest of my action in court.

“I know I am putting myself on the line – this action will be very costly in terms of time, money and reputation – but I do not intend to stop now.

“I would be very grateful for your support.”

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