After a statement saying he was deeply saddened by his sacking from Australian rugby and was considering his options on an appeal, Israel Folau’s public pronouncements on the matter on Friday were limited to religious posts on social media. Folau has 72 hours — until Monday afternoon Sydney time — to lodge an appeal over the decision of the disciplinary panel which recommended the termination, and there remains a possibility the case might end up in the courts. “The decision to fire Israel Folau for posting a paraphrased bible verse is madness,” said managing director Martyn Iles. “Israel Folau’s conduct amounts to mere speech — he has done nothing criminal, he has not publicly disgraced himself, and he has not mistreated anyone. “Ultimately, Mr Folau will make his decision and we’ll deal with that when he has.”

Source: The Star May 18, 2019 07:41 UTC