Israel Folau’s social media accounts have been reactivated before he heads to a court hearing into his sacking by Rugby Australia.
On the eve of his appearance in Melbourne’s Federal Circuit Court for a directions hearing, the former Wallaby’s Twitter and Instagram accounts briefly disappeared.
But by Tuesday morning, both pages were back up and running.
Folau is contesting the termination of his employment by Rugby Australia after a message posted on his Instagram page in April was deemed to have constituted a high level breach of his contract.
The 73-cap Australia international posted a Bible passage that said all homosexuals, among other people, are destined for hell.
Folau lost his $4m, four-year contract and several sponsorship deals as a result. He is seeking $10m in damages, an apology and reinstatement from RA and his former club, the NSW Waratahs.
In an application submitted to the Fair Work Commission in June, he claimed the termination of his employment on religious grounds was unlawful. “No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion,” he said.
Agreement was not reached during mediation with RA at the Fair Work Commission and Folau’s case will now be heard in a federal court.
