Wallabies star Israel Folau may have to wait a while for a code of conduct hearing, if he chooses that option on Wednesday, rather than accept the termination of his contract.
On Monday, Rugby Australia served the test and NSW Waratahs back with a breach notice over his posts on social media platforms last week.
The RA integrity unit deemed that Folau had committed a high-level breach of the Professional Players' Code of Conduct, warranting termination of his employment contract.
- Folau served breach notice by Rugby Australia
- Cheika says he won't pick Folau
- Petition supporting Folau gathers steam
Folau, who signed a new four-year contract back in February, was given 48 hours to accept the sanction or have the matter referred to to a Code of Conduct hearing,.
If Folau accepts the sanction by the deadline of 4pm Wednesday (NZT), he would leave without getting a payout.
It's considered more likely he will choose the other option, although he has stated he's prepared to walk away from the game for the sake of his faith.
Given there are Easter public holidays on Friday and next Monday, and Anzac Day next Thursday, it's highly unlikely any hearing would be conducted until the following week.
The hearing process would involve a panel of three - representative of RA and the players' union RUPA, and an independent person approved by
both organisations, who would be the chair.
The religiously motivated Folau posted: "Warning. Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators.
"Hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus saves."
RA chief executive officer Raelene Castle has stressed the action taken against Folau is about the issue of the responsibilities an employee owes to their employer, rather than punishment for his religious beliefs.
Castle said Folau was warned formally and repeatedly last year about the expectation of him as a Wallabies and Waratahs player in regards to his social media use, after previous controversial posts, and asserts the gifted back has failed to meet those obligations.
AAP
