Wallabies to sack Israel Folau after social media controversy

Rugby Australia "terminated" Folau's contract after he failed to return calls, chief executive Raelene Castle saying the governing body had not heard from Folau since his anti-gay post.

It was another slap in the face for Rugby Australia officials, who gave Folau a chance to redeem himself after saying homosexuals would go to hell last year.

"In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract," Castle said.

"Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have made repeated attempts to contact Israel both directly and via his representatives since 6.30pm on Wednesday, and at this point he has failed to communicate directly with either organisation.

"Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.

"Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality.

"Rugby is a sport that continuously works to unite people. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our game and no vilification based on race, gender, religion or sexuality is acceptable and no language that isolates, divides or insults people based on any of those factors can be tolerated.

"As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action."

Rugby Australia had been under pressure from sponsors to take action against Folau and they moved swiftly on Thursday.

Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Folau listed "homosexuals" as one of eight groups of people for whom "Hell awaits", following it with a Bible extract. He added: "Those that are living in Sin will end up in hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him."

This time last year, Folau shared a similar sentiment, saying in reply to another poster on social media that "HELL" is where gay people were destined.

The decision to sack Folau, a cross-code superstar, will send shockwaves through the sport.

The Instagram post was condemned by Rugby Australia and the Waratahs. Other Australian players or coaches were reluctant to comment, but ACT Brumbies mentor Dan McKellar said his club had a strict social media policy.

"I'm not big on social media myself ... I've got nothing to say about that. It's individual choice. Like backsides, everyone has an opinion," McKellar said.

"I suppose the case you're talking about [Folau's post], at this club it wouldn't be acceptable."