'Considering my options': Israel Folau breaks silence after contract termination
Wallabies superstar Israel Folau has broken his silence after having his four-year, $4 million contract terminated by Rugby Australia, hinting he could appeal the ruling.
A three-person independent panel announced their verdict on Friday - 10 days after deciding Folau had committed a "high-level" breach of RA's professional players' code of conduct.
The Wallabies' only three-times player of the year and Super Rugby's all-time leading try-scorer has 72 hours to appeal and force the governing body into proceeding with a second code of conduct hearing.
But it has been reported he could ‘send the game broke’ by rejecting that opportunity and instead making the ‘catastrophic’ move of taking his case to the Supreme Court.
Folau issued a statement on Friday afternoon in his first public comments since sharing the Instagram post that sparked his demise.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Australia and my home state of New South Wales, playing the game I love,” he said.
“I am deeply saddened by today's decision to terminate my employment and I am considering my options.
“As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression. The Christian faith has always been a part of my life and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God's word.
“Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work or play for my club and country.
“I would like to thank my wife Maria for her love and encouragement to stay true to our beliefs. We have been humbled by the support we have received from family, friends, players, fans and the wider community.
“Thank you also to those who have spoken out in my defence, some of whom do not share my beliefs but have defended my right to express them.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said it was a sad day for Australian rugby but that Folau had left the governing body with no alternative than to seek termination of his contract.
"We want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game," Castle said on Friday.
"Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia's position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action.
"This has been an extremely challenging period for Rugby and this issue has created an unwanted distraction in an important year for the sport and for the Wallabies team.
"But our clear message to all Rugby fans today is that we need to stand by our values and the qualities of inclusion, passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.
"I've communicated directly with the players to make it clear that Rugby Australia fully supports their right to their own beliefs and nothing that has happened changes that.
"But when we are talking about inclusiveness in our game, we're talking about respecting differences as well.
"When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it. People need to feel safe and welcomed in our game regardless of their gender, race, background, religion, or sexuality.
"We thank the tribunal panel for their decision and we respect the time, consideration and expertise the panel members brought to this process.
"Representing Australia and all Australians on the Rugby field is a privilege.
"Selection is dependent upon a player's ability to contribute to the Wallabies, and the game of Rugby itself, in a positive and consistent manner both on and off the field.
"When players sign a contract with the Wallabies, they sign up to the values of the team and the sport."
Castle commended Folau as a "great rugby player".
"We are disappointed and saddened by the fact that he will not see out his four-year commitment to the Wallabies and Waratahs," she said.
with AAP