Rugby Australia intends to terminate Israel Folau's contract

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Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2019, 8:19PM

Israel Folau contract is set to be terminated by Rugby Australia.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle confirmed the move tonight, saying that unless the organisation receive "compelling mitigating factors", they plan to sack Folau, having received no response from the Waratahs star after he posted anti-gay comments on social media last night.

It came following a Tasmanian decision to make gender an option on birth certificates, he posted a banner on Instagram warning drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars and fornicators that unless they repent, Hell awaits them.

"Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have made repeated attempts to contact Israel both directly and via his representatives since 6.30pm on Wednesday, and at this point he has failed to communicate directly with either organisation," the statement read.

"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."

Last year the Wallabies rugby star voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage, saying gay people would go to hell, causing widespread condemnation but he was able to escape being sacked.