Wallabies keen for ‘sensible’ settlement in Folau mediation

MELBOURNE: Rugby Australia said they hoped to reach a “sensible” settlement as they met on Monday with fallen star Israel Folau in a lastditch bid to avoid a court trial over his sacking for controversial comments.

Stridently Christian Folau was fired in May for “high-level” misconduct after posting on Instagram that “hell awaits” gay people and others he considers sinners.

The 30-year-old former Wallabies full-back is demandingaus$14millionincompensation,claiming he was unlawfully dismissed under legislation that disallows sackings because of a person’s religion.

The governing body insists his termination was purely contractual.

A trial has been set for February unless the mediation in Melbourne on Monday is successful.

“Israel admitted he’s caused harm with his comments and stated he would not curb his social media use and would post whatever he likes whenever he feels the need to share his view,” Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle told reporters outside the courtroom. But we come here today with a genuine desire to find a settlement that is sensible and reasonable so that we can return all of our focus and resources to growing the game of Rugby.”

She added that Rugby Australia had received a lot of support for their stance.

“It is these messages from members of our community and the wider sports community that leaves us in no doubt that we are doing what’s right,” she said.

Folau has been backed by prominent conservatives and the Australian Christian Lobby raised more than Aus$2 million in just two days to help pay his legal fees.

He said in a video message on his website Monday that he wanted “the truth” to be upheld.

“I understand that not everyone shares my faith and some find it difficult to reconcile with their own beliefs,” said Super Rugby’s record tryscorer, who entered the court with his netballer wife Maria.

“I want to be clear that I only share passages from the Bible as a gesture of love.”