SYDNEY – Rugby Australia on Thursday said it intends to terminate superstar Israel Folau's contract over his latest anti-gay rant, throwing the Wallabies' World Cup plans into disarray.
Chief executive Raelene Castle said officials had made repeated and unsuccessful attempts to contact the fullback since his incendiary Instagram post claiming “hell awaits” gays on Wednesday.
“In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract,” the statement said.
Folau is Super Rugby's all-time top try-scorer and one of the game's most electrifying runners with ball in hand.
A stand-out for the Waratahs and on the international stage, he had been considered crucial for the Wallabies' hopes at this year's World Cup in Japan.
But his extreme religious views have repeatedly rankled with supporters, Rugby Australia and sponsors.
He was reprimanded for homophobic posts last year, but unabashed, on Wednesday the 30-year-old posted an Instagram banner that read: “Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators - Hell awaits you.”
He suggested they should “repent” as “only Jesus saves”.
Castle said in a joint statement with New South Wales Rugby that “whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport”.
Folau recently signed a multi-season, multi-million dollar contract.
But his fate had appeared to have been sealed earlier in the day when Wallabies team sponsor Qantas public expressed its displeasure at the comments.
The airline, whose CEO Alan Joyce is openly gay, said Folau's social media post was “really disappointing”.
The comments “clearly don't reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support”, Qantas said.
I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments.I write with sympathy. To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.🌈❤️
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) April 10, 2019
Some leading Australian commentators had called for him to be fired, including former Wallabies forward Peter FitzSimons.
“Israel Folau has to go, and will go,” FitzSimons wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald. “Rugby must surely move quickly, or be made to look ridiculous.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the comments were “damaging” from someone many consider to be a role model.
England's Joe Marler tweeted an image of two men kissing, accompanied by a heart.
Gay former Welsh star Gareth Thomas said that no one should “be influenced by his words”.
“Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn't await YOU. Happiness awaits YOU,” he posted.