Rugby Australia has determined that Israel Folau broke the rules of his employment contract when he posted his Christian beliefs to social media.

The three person review panel took just hours to announce their decision after three days of hearings over the matter. The panel said Folau was guilty of a ‘high level breach’ of contract.

They have not announced what sanctions will be placed on the player, but the ‘high level’ is the only categories that could result in a termination of his $4 million contract.

The panel released a statement announcing their decision.

“The panel has today provided a judgment that Israel Folau committed a high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct with his social media posts on April 10, 2019,” the statement read.

“The panel will now take further written submissions from the parties to consider the matter of sanction.

“A further update with be provided after the panel delivers its decision on sanction.”

Once the sanction is handed down both Rugby Australia and Folau have 72 hours to lodge an appeal.

Folau’s lawyers have reportedly argued that he should not be held accountable because the words he posted were from the Bible and not a statement he personally made.

OIP Staff