Peace with fate: Folau

ISRAEL Folau is reportedly at peace as he weighs up the potentially crippling cost of his bitter legal battle with Rugby Australia (RA).

Folau is awaiting sanctioning after being found guilty of a “high level” breach of his contract and could have his fouryear, $4 million deal terminated for his controversial social media posts.

Should the three-person independent panel choose the most severe level of punishment in their power, it’s expected the Wallabies superstar will appeal. But with insiders estimating Folau would have already outlaid in excess of $100,000 on legal representation for his landmark code of conduct hearing, the threetimes John Eales Medallist may at some point ask himself if it is all worth it.

The best the 73-Test veteran can hope for is leniency from the panel and a suspension and/or fine, for taking to Instagram last month to proclaim hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators” unless they repent and turn to Jesus.

Folau’s playing fate rests in the hands of John West QC, Rugby Australia representative Kate Eastman SC and the RUPA-appointed John Boultbee. RA will argue they have no option but to proceed with his sacking given his vilification of the gay community and the damage he has caused the game.