Israel Folau's rugby union career for Australia looks to be over with Rugby Australia announcing it's their intention to terminate his contract.
Folau has come under fire for repeatedly using is extensive social media reach to condemn and discriminate against people on the basis of their sexuality.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raleane Castle and NSW Rugby Union CEO Andrew Hoare released a joint statement confirming that "in the absence of compelling mitigating factors", Folau's contract will be terminated.
The 30-year-old has not played in the NRL since 2010, after sensationally quitting the game to play AFL.
Following an unsuccessful stint with the GWS Giants, Folau looked set to return to the NRL with Parramatta but his return was blocked by the NRL and he instead tried his third code.
Few clubs would have the finances available to accommodate Folau and it remains to be seen if the NRL would even consider signing him with his controversial views seemingly opposed by the inclusive NRL code.
"We're about being inclusive and tolerant, and we believe in that strongly. That's the future of any game,' Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Come to souths izzy i am an atheist…
Izzy in, GI out?
That would be a big step up for souffs.
Welcome back!
Izzy in, GI out?
That would be a big step up for souffs.
Welcome back!
But because he included a group who likes to be with the same kind as themselves, then there is a huge uproar. Why Doesnโt the boss of Rome even say exactly the same thing as Folau๐ช๐๐——-๐๐ฅ
Sould read
Whyโโโโ. Doesnโt the boss of Rome even say exactly the same thing as Folau.
Why isn’t Oxford St Head Quarters having a whinge at the Emperor of Rome for his opinions when he speaks. Or are they to scared they will be burnt at the stake๐๐๐คฃ ๐ฅฉ
When Izzy signed 2 contracts at the storm, doesn’t that make him a liar and a thief?
You sir are a fool.
I may not agree with Izzy’s beliefs but I back to the hilt his right to say what he believes. What Rugby is doing is persecution far worse than anything Izzy has done. They are discriminating against anyone who thinks differently to what they do. They should be hounded down for threatening to do this. Thank goodness I don’t follow that code.
๐
I don’t give a f what rugby is doing.
I’m saying Folau shouldn’t condemn liars and thieves to hell when he has skeletons in his closet.
And no matter how much you sook and moan, Smith and the storm will never get the premierships back………. fool.
Hate 2 tell use all but the so called man up stairs or the bloke down below is just like Santa Claus, a story thats all make believe an fake.
WHO FU#KIN CARES WHAT HE SAID LIARS AND THIEVES DON’T DESERVE RESPECT.
This world is losing its sh#t there’s know such thing as the Freedom to speak anymore.
Union is a game rich farmers made up so their sons don`t get hurt
None of you get the reason he got sacked. These players sign contracts about the use of social media and he was warned previously. Itโs a very bad look for RA on something there was no need to be fine. He can have his own beliefs, but when you are recognised as a major role model for kids and get paid accordingly you just canโt have this type of attention.
And wanting him at your nrl club just shows how little you understand that.
Already been ruled as 100%!no chance ofnaloud back to league and rightfully so.
Will sign a $2 million anseason withbfrnch rugby by end of weekend
Anyone who thinks that Australia is a free country is delusional. Free speech is dead.
And now just watch the stunning hypocrisy from the NRL when they celebrate ANZAC day which commemorates those who gave their lives for us to have the freedom to speak our minds.
Well said
About ten years ago, I saw a freedom index compiled by Freedom International. Australia is way way down on this list and behind some countries that you would not expect. Freedom of speech is the last bastion against corporate and political restraint that we have. I get bobfulton’s point and he is right but that contracts should not be able to take away basic human rights. This situation is far far worse than the Barba Sacking, the deBelin stand down or any of those things.
Bob’s correct. It was in his contract about what he is allowed to comment on.
With the past comments he’s made though , the media asked deliberate questions to him, already knowing the replies that they’d receive back. Just to get a story.
Why is it ok for minority groups to discriminate and say whatever they want against the silent majority but never the other way around?
๐
Because Satan is the architect.
Heard the broncos need a fullback
What he said.
And anyone saying that freedom of speech is being trampled on, get 1 thing straight…
Freedom of speech gives you the power or right to express one’s opinions without censorship, restraint, or legal penalty.
Nobody is censoring his opinion, restraining his ability to continue to make an opinion on social media or suing him.
The Rugby Union, however, are exercising their legal right to part ways with a contracted player whom has breached the social media policy of his contract after being warned previously.
Also, freedom of speech gives others the right of reply to any statements he makes and they can call him out for being a bigot, ignorant or just plain dumb. That is their right also.
Remember, it works both ways.
Fredon of speech anyone?
Not only tat But rugby Australia obviously don’;t want to offend their sponsor Qantas who has an alliance with Emirates who is based in Dubai. Have a look what Dubai stance is on gays etc. A lot of hypocrisy here.
The NRL don’t want him back, but happy to have people like Matt lodge back in the NRL
Greenberg and Beatie are as bad as Raelene and we all know what state she and her ex colleagues left the dogs in!!!
Al that Rugby Australia needed to say was Izzy’s comments do not reflect the views and beliefs of Rugby Australia โฆ.case closed
Hypocrisy in action: Peter Beattie “Israel Folau fails the ARL’s inclusiveness culture.” Proceeds to EXCLUDE him from playing rugby league. Bigotry and intolerance against a person from a minority culture because of his beliefs. Yep, real inclusive.