Folau fights for future
A former test and NSW team-mate of under-fire Wallaby Israel Folau has delivered a stinging rebuke of the fullback’s decision to challenge his attempted sacking.
Drew Mitchell, who played in a World Cup and Super Rugby final alongside Folau, called the dual international’s position ‘‘untenable’’.
He highlighted a 2018 first-person piece in which Folau said he would walk away from his contract if Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle believed the situation couldn’t be worked through, then commented: ‘‘When words and actions aren’t aligned’’.
‘‘The fact [RA] intend to terminate [Folau’s] contract would suggest it’s become untenable. I would hate to think Izzy is a liar because we know what happens to them . . .’’
The tweet was in response to news Folau would challenge Rugby Australia’s attempts to sack him, via a code of conduct hearing in coming weeks.
Folau responded to RA’s breach of contract notice yesterday, sending the matter to a three-person hearing that is likely to be delayed until the week of April 29, given the Easter and Anzac Day public holidays.
RA announced its intention to sack the three-times John Eales Medal winner last Thursday after Folau made two religious posts attacking, among others, gay and transgender people.
‘‘Israel has responded formally today to request a code of conduct hearing which, under the circumstances, was not an unexpected outcome,’’ Castle said. ‘‘We will now work to confirm a date for the hearing as soon as possible.
‘‘After the date for the hearing is confirmed, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will make no further comment on the matter until the code of conduct process has concluded.’’
The development sets the stage for a potentially damaging showdown between the two parties. RA does not need another week or more of sustained attention on the divisive issue, while Folau has a multimillion-dollar deal at stake.
Folau was broadly disowned by key figures in the game this week, including Mitchell. Now a pundit on Fox Sports, Mitchell all but called Folau a hypocrite, posting on Twitter his comments from last year saying he would walk away from the game if RA found his position untenable.
On Monday his captain at NSW and the Wallabies, Michael Hooper, said he would find if ‘‘difficult’’ to take the field with Folau, while Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he would not pick him for Australia.
The threat of legal action also stalks RA, which did not take action against Folau for similar comments last year for fear of becoming a freedom of speech test case.
Folau was guarded about what he would do in response to Rugby Australia’s threat to terminate his contract when he spoke to the Herald on Sunday at his church, insisting he had not thought about a legal case for religious discrimination if it happened.
‘‘It’s obviously a decision that’s in the process right now, but I believe in a God that’s in control of all things,’’ Folau said.
‘‘Whatever His will is, whether that’s to continue playing or not, I’m more than happy to do what He wants me to do.’’
Folau also said the outrage about him calling homosexuals sinners had not caused him to reconsider his comments.
The code of conduct hearing will be chaired by an independent figure, agreed upon by RA and the Rugby Union Players’ Association, plus one representative from RA and RUPA.
Folau, a 73-test dual international in rugby and rugby league, has been stood down from all duties with the Waratahs.