SYDNEY (Reuters) - The controversy over Israel Folau's social media posts and subsequent sacking by Rugby Australia had distracted the New South Wales Waratahs and possibly cost them a Super Rugby playoffs place, according to scrumhalf Nick Phipps. Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia last month following a hearing into his social media comments in April that the governing body argued were a breach of the players' code of conduct. "We wanted to be making finals at the Waratahs this year and we haven't really been given that opportunity to make it," Phipps told Channel Nine TV. "He can have those views, that's fine, everyone's allowed to have their own opinions," Phipps said. "Rugby Australia has acted with complete professionalism and integrity at all times through the process," RA said in their statement.

Source: The Star June 09, 2019 05:26 UTC