Folau debate rolls on

It’s the storyline that’s gripped Ausise rugby yet there’s no simple solution to the Israel Folau scandal, writes Jamie Pandaram

THE cost of religious freedom? That will always be up for debate.

But from the moment Israel Folau sent his infamous Instagram post from New Zealand on April 10, Rugby Australia’s legal bills have now surpassed $300,000. And it won’t stop.

When the three-person panel hands down its decision on Folau’s future early next week, only the first stage of this saga will be finished.

If Folau’s contract is terminated, his legal team – earning an estimated $25,000 a week for their work – is expected to file an appeal.

Rugby is already on its knees. They’ve forecast a financial loss of $8 million next year.

The Folau case is churning through cash they can barely afford.

And while the panel’s initial decision that Folau has breached the code of conduct at the high level has supported RA’s actions, their process in his contracting, actions after his post and arguments in the hearing leave several positions under fire within RA and RUPA, the players’ union. However, the cost of doing nothing would have been greater still.

Not acting against Folau would have seen key sponsors withdraw, leaving the game broke.

Not to mention potential legal action from RA’s own gay employees – some who represent the women’s national teams – for failing to protect them from vilification within their workforce.

RA has one key fact on their side; Folau has shown no remorse for his actions.

The 30-year-old star is so convinced of his religious post that he will never back down. To do so would betray the God he worships.

But having already found Folau guilty of breaching the game’s code of conduct, the panel must now decide whether they terminate his $4 million deal, or issue a fine.

Given Folau won’t guarantee he won’t post further inflammatory material on social media that could embroil rugby in a third such scandal, termination looms large.