Folau, Rugby Australia reach settlement

Rugby Australia and Israel Folau reached a settlement on Wednesday that will end the former Wallaby’s multimilliondollar lawsuit over his sacking for anti-gay comments.

Rugby Australia apologised for any hurt or harm caused to Folau as part of a joint statement confirming the confidential agreement after two days of mediation aimed at avoiding a drawn-out and expensive court case.

Folau, an ardent Christian, was fired in May over a social media post warning “hell awaits” gay people and others he considers sinners.

“Rugby Australia and Folau wish each other well for the future.

“The parties do not intend to comment further on the terms of their settlement as it is confidential,” the statement said.

The 30-year-old former Wallabies fullback was set to demand A$14m (R138m) in compensation, claiming he was unlawfully dismissed under legislation that bans sacking a person because of their religion. Folau had claimed his religious freedom was at stake, winning backing from prominent conservatives and the Australian Christian Lobby, which raised more than A$2m (R20.3m) in just two days to help pay his legal fees.

The sport’s governing body, which would have faced financial ruin had it lost the case, had argued the termination for “high-level” misconduct was purely contractual.

The joint statement acknowledged that Folau was expressing genuinely held religious beliefs and had not meant to offend anyone with his post.

“Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the grounds of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity,” it said.

The statement added that Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby “do not in any way agree with the content” of Folau’s post.