Former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau reportedly made one crucial error that proved costly during his code of conduct hearing into controversial social media posts.
In chapter three of a four-part exposé by the Daily Telegraph, it was revealed that when asked if he understood that his social media posts could offend people, Folau had ‘expertly manoeuvered around the admission by repeatedly pointing back to the words being from the Bible’.
That was until he came under intense cross-examination from lawyer Justin Gleeson, who represented Rugby Australia in the matter. It’s believed Folau finally cracked under Gleeson’s relentless questioning when he made a stunning admission that he knew his posts were harmful, before also conceding that he did indeed breach RA’s code of conduct.
Gleeson’s interrogation continued after the player’s admission of guilt, but when asked to take his posts down and guarantee he would not make a similar post in future, Folau refused to delete his posts and said he could give no promises that he would not commit another offence. And that was what sealed his fate with the hearing panel.
Meanwhile, an Australian senator has called for a new probe into Folau’s sacking.
The termination of Folau’s contract has been referred to the fair work ombudsman by liberal senator Eric Abetz – a former employment minister – who suggested that RA may have broken the law in its treatment of the fullback.
READ FOUR-PART SERIES HERE:
Chapter one: How Folau’s fate was sealed by his dad
Chapter two: Folau believes rugby bosses set him up to fail
Chapter three: The fatal mistake that crucified Folau
Photo: Getty Images
