Rugby Australia has confirmed that Israel Folau’s code of conduct hearing will continue on Sunday after no verdict was reached following an eight-hour deliberation on Saturday.
Folau was stood down by Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union on 12 April. He was served a notice of termination following his latest controversial social media posts in which he targeted ‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators’, and warned: ‘Hell awaits you’.
The 30-year-old appealed the sanction, which could effectively end his rugby union career, and a three-person independent panel has been tasked with determining whether Rugby Australia has grounds to sack Folau.
Statement from RA giving an update on Folau hearing pic.twitter.com/sCFUhBHQet
— Tom Decent (@tomdecent) May 4, 2019
During a closed hearing in Sydney on Saturday, RA boss Raelene Castle, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and Folau were all called to give evidence, but no outcome was reached. The hearing will now continue on Sunday, although no further witnesses will be called to give testimony.
RA confirmed the panel is not expected to deliver its decision on Sunday.
Rugby Australia confirms that Israel Folau’s code of conduct hearing will continue on Sunday.
No further witnesses to be called. Raelene Castle, Michael Cheika and Folau provides evidence today.
A decision is NOT expected to be announced on Sunday.
— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) May 4, 2019
Wallaby Israel Folau leaves his day long Code of Conduct hearing at Rugby HQ, he gave evidence, as did coach Michael Cheika and RA boss Raelene Castle. @9NewsAUS pic.twitter.com/1euaxmQ3AN
— Lizzie Pearl (@lizziepearl) May 4, 2019