This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, former Wallabies star Israel Folau offered a public apology for his anti-gay social media posts and agreed to allow Rugby Australia to review future posts before uploading them.
Folau, a devoutly Christian fullback, was fired in May for posting on Instagram that 'hell awaits' gay people and others he considers sinners.
He is pursuing legal action against Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby, claiming he was unlawfully dismissed under legislation that disallows sackings because of a person's religion.
As part of the agreement, Folau offered to pay a fine to Rugby Australia, serve a four-week suspension, and undergo mentoring sessions about how to practice his faith publicly and articulate his religious views on social media.
According to court documents, at least 15 teammates and members of coaching staff had provided Folau with messages of support or urged him to return to the game, something he 'had a great desire to do.'
Folau also claimed that Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle had told him last year that the organisation 'would never ask or expect him to act in a manner or way that is contrary to his beliefs.'
