FOLAU EXILED

DARREN WALTON WALLABIES superstar Israel Folau remains adamant he should be allowed to keep playing, but Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle warned him to think hard about his next move after sacking him yesterday.

Folau’s decorated six-year career in the code appears over after an independent three-person panel found his controversial social media posts warranted his sacking.

Castle announced yesterday that RA had terminated his four-year, $4 million contract for posting a biblical quote which said “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” would go to hell unless they repented.

The three-times John Eales Medallist released a statement saying he was “deeply saddened” by the decision and that he was considering his options.

“As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression,” his statement read. “The Christian faith has always been a part of my life and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s word.

“Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work or play for my club and country.”

Folau has 72 hours to appeal, a move that would necessitate a new panel to preside over a second financially draining code of conduct hearing. It’s been estimated Folau has already shelled out more than $100,000 fighting for his career, with a law employment expert predicting the 30-year-old would be spending $25,000 a week on legal fees.

“I’d certainly hope that Mr Folau takes that into consideration when he thinks about his next step,” Castle said.