Terms of Folau's settlement weren't disclosed but believed to have received millions from Rugby Australia.getty images
Rugby Australia and Israel Folau have settled the sacked player's lawsuit against the governing body, which is "likely to have agreed to pay out a 'significant amount of money,'" according to a source. The "marathon settlement talks brought an end to the damaging saga." After 14 hours of "formal negotiations and countless hours of informal talks spanning three days, Folau and RA reached a confidential settlement, which included a written apology to each other for hurt and damage caused during the near-eight month controversy over Folau's anti-gay religious views" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 12/5). Sources said that Rugby Australia has "agreed to compensate Folau several million dollars under the terms of the settlement." He had been seeking nearly $10M. Folau said that he has been "'vindicated' by Rugby Australia’s apology and he is now 'looking forward' to the Morrison government passing laws protecting the right to religious expression" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/5).
News of the Folau settlement dominated headlines in Australia, with the Sydney Morning Herald's Peter FitzSimmons writing a "bitter taste remains" in the aftermath of the case. The Australian's Wayne Smith writes the ramifications of the saga will "continue to rumble over the rugby landscape for years." The Australian's Wally Mason wonders, "Where to now for Israel Folau?" with the star player's career likely over. However, the Sydney Daily Telegraph's Dean Ritchie writes Folau's settlement is a "a win for free speech and democracy," as "no sporting body has the right nor arrogance to muzzle a person’s religious beliefs." Meanwhile, The Australian's Janet Albrechtsen calls for Rugby Australia's CEO to step down under the header, "Raelene Castle should resign over diabolical Israel Folau disaster."
