Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Rugby Australia

latest news & developments
Folau, who has previously been described as “devoutly Christian”, has previously refused to remove the offending online post that “hell awaits” gay people and others he considers sinners. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
AGENCY

Folau’s social media in mystery shutdown

The former Wallaby launched legal action against Rugby Australia earlier this month, demanding an apology, compensation and the right to play again

  • Agency
2 min read
Folau, who has played 73 times for the Wallabies, raised more than Aus$2-million in just two days through the Australian Christian Lobby to help pay his legal fees. (Reuters/Henry Browne)
AGENCY

Australia’s Folau launches legal action over homophobia sacking

Super Rugby’s leading try scorer has gone to the courts to settle his case with Rugby Australia

  • Agency
3 min read
Bloop: Israel Folau’s crowdfunding campaign attracted criticism, with Australian media noting that he was one of the best-paid players in the world and owns a multi-million dollar property portfolio. (Reuters/Henry Browne)
AGENCY

Folau ‘anti-gay’ crowdfunding campaign shut down

Folau, a purportedly devout Christian, was fired last month after a Rugby Australia tribunal found him guilty of "high-level" misconduct

  • Agency
2 min read
The guidelines cover everything from victimisation, leadership and codes of conduct, to suitable facilities, privacy and the collection of personal information.
ATHLETES

Australia seeks to bring more transgender people to sports

Australia’s move comes as debate rages globally about whether transgender athletes have an unfair competitive advantage

  • Agency
2 min read
“No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion,” the 30-year-old said in a statement. (Reuters)
HOMOPHOBIA

Folau sues for ‘substantial’ payout from Rugby Australia

Folau’s contract was terminated last month after a Rugby Australia tribunal found him guilty of a ‘high-level’ code of conduct breach

  • Agency
3 min read
Folau, who has played 73 times for the Wallabies, raised more than Aus$2-million in just two days through the Australian Christian Lobby to help pay his legal fees. (Reuters/Henry Browne)
HOMOPHOBIA

Folau to fight on after missing sacking appeal deadline

The star fullback was on Friday given 72 hours to appeal, which would have triggered another hearing with a new three-person panel

  • Martin Parry
3 min read
Folau, who has played 73 times for the Wallabies, raised more than Aus$2-million in just two days through the Australian Christian Lobby to help pay his legal fees. (Reuters/Henry Browne)
ANDREW HORE

High-stakes Folau homophobia hearing extended to third day

Israel Folau’s high-stakes code of conduct hearing was Sunday extended to a third day after a weekend stalemate

  • Martin Parry
3 min read
Israel Folau. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
AUSTRALIA

Folau homophobia hearing begins in Sydney

The controversy has overshadowed Australia’s World Cup preparations, with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika vowing not to select Folau

  • Agency
3 min read
Israel Folau. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
HOMOPHOBIA

Folau handed sack notice over anti-gay comments

Folau posted on Instagram: "Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators — Hell awaits you."

  • Martin Parry
3 min read