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Israel Folau says a lack of "confidence" in Rugby Australia's (RA) ability to treat him fairly is the reason why he will not appeal against its decision to terminate his contract, with court action now a possibility.
Key points:
- Israel Folau's Rugby Australia contract was terminated last week for a breach of the players' code of conduct
- Folau had until midday on Monday to lodge an appeal but chose against such a move
- He may seek to take the matter to the Supreme Court
Folau's four-year contract, worth $4 million, was torn up by RA last Friday in light of controversial Instagram posts, including one proclaiming hell awaits "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters".
He had until midday today to appeal against the decision but released a statement saying he would not do so as he did not have faith in RA's "management of the judicial panel process".
"My decision not to commence Rugby Australia's appeal process is in no way an acceptance of the judicial panel's findings," he said.
"I simply do not have confidence in Rugby Australia's ability to treat me fairly or lawfully throughout this process."
Folau said he was considering his options "in the face of growing discontent with the way Rugby Australia has handled his code of conduct hearing".
"The messages of support from fans, players, former rugby administrators and the public have been humbling," he said.
"I believe I still have a lot of rugby left in me and the potential impact of Rugby Australia's decision on my reputation and my career is substantial.
"Ultimately, I need to do what is best for my family, my teammates and the fans, so I am considering all potential avenues open to me."
Folau could seek to sue RA for breach of contract.
RA had earlier released a statement, confirming it had terminated Folau's contract after he failed to lodge an appeal.
"As Folau has not notified the panel of his intention to appeal, the code of conduct process has now formally concluded," the statement read.
"With the code of conduct matter complete, Folau's employment contract will be terminated."
Folau, who played 73 Tests for the Wallabies, fronted a three-person tribunal at the beginning of May, comprising of chair John West, Rugby Australia's representative Kate Eastman and the Rugby Union Players' Association-appointed John Boultbee.
The 30-year-old was stood down by RA last month in the wake of his social media posts.
He was then issued with a code of conduct breach notice recommending his contract be terminated, which he decided to challenge.
Topics: rugby-union, super-rugby, rugby-union-world-cup, sport, sydney-2000
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