Folau case could have impact on World Cup

ISRAEL Folau’s legal wrangle with Rugby Australia is set to collide with the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign after the sacked superstar filed a claim against his dismissal in court this week.

Folau’s unfair dismissal case was launched after he was sacked by Rugby Australia in May for posting anti-gay messages on social media.

The 30-year-old rugby star is a Christian and argues his contract termination was an unlawful act of religious discrimination.

“I confirm I have commenced court proceedings against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs,” Folau posted on his personal Twitter account, alongside the message ‘God Gives Me Strength For The Road Ahead’.

“Thank you to those who have supported me over this journey it has meant so much to (wife) Maria and me. God bless.”

Neither Rugby Australia nor the Waratahs have made any response to Folau’s statement that he has launched legal proceedings against them.

Folau has been fundraising to help cover the costs of his legal action.

Over two million Australian dollars (£1.1million) has been raised after the Australian Christian Lobby set up a fundraising page.

The ACL effort replaced an earlier campaign on GoFundMe, which was taken down by the platform for breaching its service guidelines.

His legal team, led by Melbourne lawyer George Haros, filed the claim in the Federal Circuit Court on Wednesday evening.

And reports suggest the legal showdown with Rugby Australia is set to begin while the Wallabies are in the thick of Pool D action at the World Cup in Japan.

The Wallabies’ attempts to lift a third Webb Ellis Trophy has already been hit by the absence of key component Folau.

And the prospect of distractions of a high-profile court case back in Australia, during the tournament, threatens to undermine the Wallabies’ quest for global domination.

The timing could not be worse for Rugby Australia, either, with reports Down Under suggesting they were hoping to use the World Cup to reboot its popularity in the country.

“Unfortunately, our conciliation before the Fair Work Commission did not resolve the matters between us and I have been left with no choice but to commence court action,” Folau said in a statement. I have been blessed to have received the support of tens of thousands of Australians throughout my journey, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has offered their prayers and support.”