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Israel Folau Launches Legal Action Against Rugby Australia

Israel Folau Launches Legal Action Against Rugby Australia

He's arguing that Rugby Australia unfairly sacked him because of his religion.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Just when you thought the whole Israel Folau saga was over, the star rugby union player has come back fighting.

He's lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission, saying Rugby Australia unfairly sacked him because of his religion.

If you've been living under a rock, Izzy posted a photo on his Instagram that said homosexuals and other sinners were going to burn in hell and they should change their ways.

Israel Folau/Instagram

The Wallaby was hauled into a disciplinary hearing, where, after many days of deliberation, he was sacked and his multi-million contract was torn up.

Well, he's come back, saying the decision was unfair.

"I will forever be grateful and proud to have played the sport I love for our nation," Folau said in a statement.

"Ours is an amazing country built on important principles, including freedom of religion. A nation made up of so many different faiths and cultural backgrounds will never be truly rich unless this freedom applies to all of us.

PA

"The messages of support we have received over these difficult few weeks have made me realise there are many Australians who feel their fundamental rights are being steadily eroded.

"No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion."

He'll try to argue that him having a religious belief can't be grounds for dismissal. Interestingly, around the same time this was lodged, Folau's brother John announced he had been granted indefinite leave from the Waratahs, the same club Izzy played for.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said the decision was made for 'personal reasons'.

PA

"We gave John some time off for leave and he has come back to us recently and asked for a release, which we're happy to grant," Gibson told reporters.

"John has been in a difficult position for the last wee while. He has got really divided loyalties to his family and his brother and then also to the team. He wanted to stress how much he enjoyed being with the team and what a difficult decision it was for him.

"We can all understand the loyalty he has to his family and to his brother and totally respect that position."

John was on the bench for the Waratahs for their match against the Sunwolves and didn't get a run on.

So strap yourselves in because it appears the Folau vs Rugby Australia saga looks set to continue for a little longer.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, Entertainment, Australia