Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia over controversial social media post

Folau has 48 hours to accept his sacking, or appeal it.

Australian rugby union authorities have decided to terminate Israel Folau's contract following his controversial Instagram post. Folau drew widespread criticism after posting a picture to the social media platform which saw the Australian full-back warn drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters that they were destined to go to hell unless they repented. Rugby Australia were amongst those to condemn the 30-year-old, and have now followed this by confirming his contract had been ended. Folau, who was expected to add to his 73 caps for Australia at this year's World Cup in Japan, escaped with a formal warning after making similar comments last year. Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said: "Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations.