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Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia over controversial social media post

Published 09:25 15 Apr 2019 BST

Updated 13:03 15 Apr 2019 BST

Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia over controversial social media post

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Folau has 48 hours to accept his sacking, or appeal it.

Australian rugby union authorities have decided to terminate Israel Folau's contract following his controversial Instagram post. Folau drew widespread criticism after posting a picture to the social media platform which saw the Australian full-back warn drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters that they were destined to go to hell unless they repented. Rugby Australia were amongst those to condemn the 30-year-old, and have now followed this by confirming his contract had been ended.

Folau, who was expected to add to his 73 caps for Australia at this year's World Cup in Japan, escaped with a formal warning after making similar comments last year. Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said: "Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations.

"It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action."

"When you play in that gold jersey, we represent everyone in Australia, everyone"

Those comments were mirrored by Wallbies head coach Michael Cheika, who stressed that rugby should aim to be an inclusive sport: https://twitter.com/rugbycomau/status/1117632172528005121 Folau's contract with Australian rugby was due to run until 2022. He has 48 hours to accept the decision or face a code of contact hearing.

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