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Israel Folau Settles With Rugby Australia Out Of Court

Israel Folau Settles With Rugby Australia Out Of Court

RA chief Raelene Castle has rubbished reports Folau received $8 million in the settlement.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

After months of waiting, Israel Folau has won his highly publicised fight with Rugby Australia.

The former Wallaby star was locked in a battle with his employer after he was fired for posting a picture on Instagram that many people felt was homophobic.

Israel Folau/Instagram

Folau took RA to court, citing unfair dismissal, and has come out on top.

The pair have settled out of court, however the dollar figure on that settlement hasn't been released. Many Australian outlets have reported that it's around the $8 million mark, however RA chief Raelene Castle has released a tweet rubbishing those rumours.

"Folau settlement numbers are confidential but numbers being speculated are wildly inaccurate," she wrote on the social media site."

Folau was seeking a whopping $14 million from Australia's Rugby Union body however we might never truly know how much he received.

The news was announced via a press release from RA, which said: "Rugby Australia acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus.

Israel Folau/Instagram

"Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises.

"The terms of the settlement are confidential but importantly Israel's legal claim has been withdrawn and whilst we were very confident in our legal position, this outcome provides certainty for Rugby Australia and allows us to avoid incurring ongoing legal costs and the risks and distractions of a lengthy trial."

Unsurprisingly, Folau is very chuffed with himself and is thankful for all the support he received from people around the world during his battle.

"With today's acknowledgment and apology by Rugby Australia, we have been vindicated and can now move on with our lives to focus on our faith and our family. Maria and I would like to thank God for his guidance and strength," he said in a video released after the settlement.

"We started this journey on behalf of all people of faith, to protect their rights of freedom of speech and religion."

"We now look forward to the Federal Government enacting the legislation necessary to further protect and strengthen these rights for all Australians."

The Folau's managed to raise $2 million from strangers to help him fund his legal case against Rugby Australia - money that now won't be needed considering the case won't go to court.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia