This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Israel Folau, a 30-year-old former Wallabies fullback, has settled his unfair dismissal case with Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Waratahs, ending a prolonged and bitter dispute.
The dispute was triggered by a social media post in April that sparked widespread condemnation from LGBTI activists, former teammates, and media pundits.
Folau, a fundamentalist Christian, had launched legal action after his four-year contract was torn up in May for posting the meme, which said hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and other groups.
Days before entering mediation at the Federal Circuit Court, Folau had hiked his compensation claim from A$10 million to A$14 million for lost income and sponsorship.
Rugby Australia apologised to Folau and his family in a joint statement, acknowledging and apologising for any hurt or harm caused by the dispute.
“While it was not Rugby Australia’s intention, Rugby Australia acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus,” the statement said.
“Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused.”
On Wednesday, Rugby Australia and Folau announced the settlement after being locked in mediation for 14 hours.
