D-Day arrived for Israel Folau on Friday, with the controversial Wallabies star officially sacked by Rugby Australia.
The decision by the three-person panel confirmed RA will enforce the termination of Folau's $4 million deal.
"While Rugby Australia accepts the panel’s decision directing termination of Israel Folau’s playing contract for his high-level breach of the Code of Conduct, we want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game," Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said 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.
“Israel is a great rugby player and 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.
Folau had already rejected a $1 million settlement offer by Rugby Australia - however, a News Corp report suggests he will skip a second code of conduct hearing option, and will instead head straight to court.
Prolonged legal drama would come at a terrible time for RA, considering it is bracing for an $8 million shortfall in revenue next year as a result of fewer home Test matches in a World Cup year.
RA has already spent over $350,000 in legal fees attempting to sack the divisive Waratahs back.
The social media post in question, which prompted the drama, was published by Folau on April 10. He rejected taking it down - in fact, he told churchgoers that was an offer from Satan.
RA issued a 48-hour deadline to request a Code of Conduct hearing, and Folau responded two hours before the deadline, confirming he will fight the sanction.
The 30-year-old has already been found guilty of a high-level breach of RA’s professional players’ code of conduct.
The three-person panel - John West QC, Kate Eastman SC, and John Boultbee AM - were expected to hand down their judgment on Thursday, but it was delayed 24 hours.
On Friday, they confirmed Folau's fate.
He has already copped financial blows from the drama, with apparel brand ASICS severing ties with the dual international.
More to come.
