eBusiness Weekly
Israel Folou has alleged the cost of Rugby Australia cancelling his contract over his anti-gay social media posts has added up to A$14 million (US$9,5 million), according to court documents.
The rugby union star has also claimed one of the tribunal members who decided his case is biased because she has been involved in pro-LGBTI organisations.
Folau had his contract terminated by Rugby Australia in May over an Instagram post in which he said gay people, among others, were destined for hell.
Rugby Australia deemed the post constituted a high-level breach of his contract and Folau lost his $4m (US$2,7 million), four-year contract and several sponsorship deals. He has taken Rugby Australia to court seeking damages, an apology and reinstatement from RA and his former club, the NSW Waratahs.
In an amended statement of claim published on the Federal Circuit Court’s website on Wednesday, Folau stated his loss and damage of A$14 million consisted of:
His player contract from May 2019 to November 2022 lost guaranteed test match payments, lost test match payments for 2022, lost sponsorship revenue, lost Israel Folau branded kids’ camp payments, additional base salary and other payments and loss of money from the end of his international career.
Post-career benefits, including what would have been on offer for him if Folau had become captain of the Wallabies. — Guardian.
