Israel Folau's expected legal action against Rugby Australia if it terminates his contract could financially cripple the sporting body. Folau was found guilty by a three-member panel last week of a high-level breach of the player code of conduct. It had already spent a reported $350,000 in legal fees on the Folau matter, and a prolonged fight in the court was likely to cost millions. The sport's next TV deal was also expected to be lower than the previous agreement according to industry experts. If Folau is stood down, he will become the first Australian athlete dismissed for expressing religious beliefs.

Source: Daily Mail May 16, 2019 23:52 UTC