Sponsors would have walked if Folau not sacked: Rugby Australia

SYDNEY AFP June 29, 2019: Unapologetic Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne defended the firing of Israel Folau Saturday, saying sponsors would have deserted the sport if a hard line had not been taken over his homophobic stance.

The two sides appear headed for a long and costly court battle after last-ditch conciliation talks collapsed on Friday in the wake of the star player's sacking for posting on social media that “hell awaits” gay people and others he considers sinners.

Their dispute has proved divisive, with many outraged over his comments but others, including the Christian lobby, defending the right to free speech.

Clyne told the Sydney Morning Herald that Rugby Australia was left with no choice but to terminate the devoutly religious fullback's Aus$1 million-a-year (US$700,000) four-year contract.

“(The alternative) would be that we'd have no sponsors at all because no sponsor has indicated they would be willing to be associated with social media posts of that sort and that includes government, because we've also heard from them,” he said.

“We would also potentially be in litigation with employees who are gay and who would say we're not providing a work place that is safe or respectful.” RA receives funding from the government. Its key sponsor is airline Qantas, whose chief executive Alan Joyce is gay and a prominent campaigner for LGBT rights.

Folau, Super Rugby's record try-scorer, is reportedly seeking Aus$10 million for unfair dismissal, including for lost sponsorship and marketing opportunities, a sum which would badly hurt the governing body.