Rugby Australia and Israel Folau settle unfair dismissal claim
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The long-running legal dispute between Rugby Australia and Israel Folau has ended with a settlement reached over the former Wallaby was sacked in the wake of an anti-gay social media post in April.
The former Wallabies fullback had sought AUS$14m in compensation saying he was wrongfully dismissed over anti-gay Instagram post. The parties have been involved in mediation this week and the terms of the settlement will remain confidential.
A joint statement from RA, RNSW and Folau on Wednesday said the post reflected Folau’s “genuinely held religious beliefs” and that he “did not intend to harm or offend any person when he uploaded the post”.
View this post on InstagramThe long-running legal dispute between Rugby Australia and Israel Folau has ended
Full Statement:
Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby and Israel Folau have today settled their legal dispute following the dismissal of Israel Folau after he posted a religious message on social media (the Social Media Post).
The Social Media Post reflected Mr Folau’s genuinely held religious beliefs, and Mr Folau did not intend to harm or offend any person when he uploaded the Social Media Post. Mr Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the grounds of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.
Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby do not in any way agree with the content of the Social Media Post. Inclusiveness is one of Rugby’s core values and it welcomes all people to the game, including all members of the LGBTI community. While it was not Rugby Australia’s intention, Rugby Australia acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus. Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused.
Rugby Australia and Mr Folau wish each other well for the future. The Parties do not intend to comment further on the terms of their settlement as it is confidential.
