Israel Folau seeking up to $10 million in damages as he launches legal proceedings against Rugby Australia
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Former Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has launched legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for breach of contract.
Folau's lawyers have said, under the Fair Work Act, it was unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion.
"No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion," Folau said in a statement.
Folau's contract was ripped up in May by an independent panel for a high level-breach of his contract.
In April, the 30-year-old posted on social media that all homosexuals, among others, would go to hell, unless they repented.
His lawyers said in a statement that they were "seeking substantial remedies".
Folau had been employed by Rugby Australia on a multi-million dollar contract that still had more than three years to run.
The court case will test Rugby Australia's right to dismiss the former Wallaby for breaching the terms of his contract, versus the right to express his religious beliefs.
It is also rumoured that Folau could be on his way back to the NRL despite some of the Chiefs Executives stating that they will not allow him back after his comments.
According to the Australian, Folau is seeking up to $10 million in damages from Rugby Australia in a lawsuit that will claim his contract termination was “unlawful” and has cost him the “best years” of his career.
Israel Folau is seeking up to $10 million in damages from Rugby Australia in a lawsuit that will claim his contract termination was “unlawful” and has cost him the “best years” of his career. https://t.co/AiugIQvYPj
— The Australian (@australian) June 6, 2019
