Israel Folau could sue Rugby Australia on the grounds of religious discrimination if his current contract is terminated, an expert has claimed.
Yesterday it was revealed that the Wallabies player would fight for his career after Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs's said they were terminating his contract.
Folau sparked outrage on Thursday after posting a homophobic Instagram post which said gay people would go to hell unless they repented.
The 30-year-old, a Christian who holds deeply religious views, was warned last year for making homophobic comments on social media but escaped disciplinary action.
On this occasion, however, RA announced it would cancel the four-year deal he signed in January.
But one legal expert has said Folau could make a claim against the organisation on the basis of his religion under the Fair Work Act.
Israel Folau and his wife Maria (middle left) have been spotted meeting with Rugby Australia officials on Friday amid reports he intends to fight for his career
Mark Fowler, an adjunct associate professor of law the University of Notre Dame, told The Sydney Morning Herald that RA would have to prove they were not terminating Folau's contract because of his religion.
'On what is publicly reported, it would seem hard to say that the action Rugby Australia is proposing is not because of his religious belief.'
Israel Folau shared this post to his 325,000 followers on Wednesday, prompting national outrage
Israel Folau (pictured right) could have a legal defence on the grounds of alleged religious discrimination if his current contract is terminated, an expert has claimed
On Friday a meeting was held at the union's headquarters in Moore Park and while the RA's position is unchanged, the Wallabies face the prospect of entering this autumn's World Cup without one of the game's most gifted players.
'As the meeting was held in confidence between the player and his employers, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will not comment on the discussions at the meeting,' a statement read.
The Rugby Union Players' Association accompanied Folau to the talks and revealed in a statement that he intends to honour his contract, adding that the RA's code of conduct must be followed during any disciplinary action.
