RUPA said on Tuesday the decision to tear up Folau’s Rugby Australia contract was “a sad outcome for Israel, his family, friends, teammates, opponents and all associated with rugby in Australia and around the world.”
It also said Rugby Australia had not yet provided any clear parameters to the players specifying how it expects them to express their faith and beliefs in a way it considers acceptable.
“To address this, RUPA will immediately establish and undertake an Expression of Faith & Beliefs Review alongside its players, incorporating advice from those with and without strong religious beliefs,” RUPA said in a statement.
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RUPA is aiming to hold a first meeting of the review committee when the Super Rugby and World Sevens series seasons end and plan to invite representatives of Rugby Australia and a Super Rugby, urging them to take part.
Folau was sacked for a high-level code breach for a religiously-motivated social media post which said hell awaits homosexuals, among others, after he had previously been warned following a similar post last year.
“RUPA appreciates the difficult position which this incident has placed on Israel’s teammates and the broader professional playing group, and we will continue to support each RUPA member,” it said.
“RUPA remains proud of its diverse playing group and is committed to empowering and supporting each of its members to have conviction to express their faith and beliefs confidently.
“Clearly, there remains a great deal of work to be done in relation to this subject, but what remains paramount and a non-negotiable is empowering all of RUPA’s members to feel confident in understanding their rights and their responsibilities when expressing their faith and beliefs.”
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Court action looms as Folau’s likely next move after the sacked Wallabies star explained why he declined to appeal his contract termination through Rugby Australia’s Code of Conduct process.
Folau had until midday Monday (AEST) to appeal, which would have triggered another RA Code of Conduct hearing involving a different three-person panel.
“The last few weeks and, in particular, the last 72 hours have given me considerable opportunity to reflect and think about my future,” Folau said.
“I will not be exercising my right to appeal Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate my employment contract.”
Folau cited a lack of confidence 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.”
On Friday, the panel of John West QC (chair), Kate Eastman SC and John Boultbee AM found that Folau’s contract should be terminated after his controversial social media posts, including one proclaiming hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters.”