Rugby Australia have claimed that they acted with complete professionalism after Israel Folau accused the body of leaking details of his code of conduct hearing.
In a confidential letter that was published by The Daily Telegraph, Folau demanded to know how private details of his code of conduct hearing were leaked to the media.
In the letter, emailed to RA chief executive Raelene Castle and each of the 10 directors, Folau went on to claim that the RA discriminated against him on the basis of his religious beliefs.
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However, Rugby Australia has rejected Folau’s claims in its own statement made on Sunday.
‘While we accept that a PR firm has been engaged to coordinate a media campaign to promote the legal action taken against Rugby Australia, we are disappointed that this campaign is impacting on the work done by the thousands of volunteers who are delivering great experiences for the Rugby community and also that it has taken the focus away from a crucial Australian Super Rugby derby, being played by Israel’s former team tonight.
‘Rugby Australia has acted with complete professionalism and integrity at all times through the process in which Mr Folau was found by an independent three-member tribunal panel to have made multiple, serious breaches of the Professional Players Code of Conduct.
‘While we will continue to respond to any legal action as required and will continue to defend the values that underpin our game and the work done by the hard-working volunteers, we will not engage in a running media commentary.’
Folau’s lawyers filed an application at the Australian Fair Work Commission on Thursday, and are seeking a declaration that his employment was unfairly terminated.
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