Rugby Australia to terminate Folau's contract
REACTION: Not only has Israel Folau’s social media post been labeled ‘unacceptable’, but now Rugby Australia have made it clear that they “have intention to terminate his contract,”
Folau posted a message on his Instagram account in which he said that “hell awaits” “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators” — adding they should “repent” as “only Jesus saves”.
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Is this the end of his career as we know it? 🤔 See our story for latest developments!
He added: “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.”
In the wake of his post, media and fellow players have revealed their discontent with the Folau’s actions.
All Black forward Adam Thomson took to twitter and posted that Folau must be punish for his actions and that Super Rugby teams and players should even boycott games against NSW Waratahs.
It has become painfully clear that Israel Folau just doesn’t belong in the game of Rugby Union. His continued spread of religious fanactical bigotry is beyond dangerous to the values of the game, and to the new inclusive society we are working so hard to build…
— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019
…Once was too much. Repeated actions is beyond acceptable. @RugbyPlayersAus @qantaswallabies @NSWWaratahs it’s time for a stand. Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice…
— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019
…To the current players I implore you to make a stand. Let your collective voices be heard. Show the game that this is not who we are. Refuse to play against the @nswwaratahs or any team that fields intolerant players. You’re the heroes we need right now!
— Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) April 11, 2019
While, Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle and NSW Rugby Union CEO, Andrew Hore have issued the following statement in relation to Israel Folau.
“Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have made repeated attempts to contact Israel both directly and via his representatives since 18.30pm on Wednesday, and at this point he has failed to communicate directly with either organisation.
“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.
“Rugby is a sport that continuously works to unite people. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our game and no vilification based on race, gender, religion or sexuality is acceptable and no language that isolates, divides or insults people based on any of those factors can be tolerated.
“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.”
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