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Israel Folau handed contractual breach notice by Rugby Australia
Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has today been served with a breach notice over his posts on social media platforms Twitter and Instagram on April 10.
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The Rugby Australia Integrity Unit deemed that Folau had committed a high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct warranting termination of his employment contract.
Folau has 48 hours to accept the sanction or have the matter referred to a Code of Conduct hearing.
Rugby Australia chief executive, Raelene Castle said: “At its core, this is an issue of the responsibilities an employee owes to their employer and the commitments they make to their employer to abide by their employer’s policies and procedures and adhere to their employer’s values.
“Following the events of last year, 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.
“All professional Rugby players in Australia are bound by the Code of Conduct and there is a process in place for any disciplinary matter. We appreciate that this particular matter will attract significant interest, but due process must be followed.”
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Folau has been stood down by the Waratahs as they prepare to face the Rebels in Sydney this weekend, while Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika today ruled out the prospect of the 30-year-old featuring at this year’s World Cup in Japan.
“Getting out in that disrespectful manner publicly is not what our team’s about,” he said.
“When you play in the gold jersey, we represent everyone in Australia – everyone. Everyone that’s out there supporting us. We don’t pick and choose.
“We want everyone on that wagon with us to the World Cup … or a Bledisloe Cup. We want everyone there fighting with us and standing with us.”
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