Israel Folau's rugby career is over.
An independent three‑person panel found that his controversial social media posts warranted his sacking.
Folau has the right to appeal the decision and has 72 hours to do so.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said the issue was a "a painful situation for the game" but said Folau left them with no choice.
Castle said Rugby Australia didn't choose to be in this situation but our position remains that we have no choice but to pursue the action that has resulted in today's outcome.
She says when players sign a contract with the Wallabies they sign up to the team and the sport.
Israel is a great rugby player and we are disappointed and saddened he won't see out his four year contract commitment to the Wallabies and Waratahs."
The decision is set to bring to an end Folau's nine‑year partnership with the Waratahs and Wallabies, a union that was unexpected at the time but that went on to be a huge success.
If Folau decides to appeal the decision, as expected, another code of conduct hearing will take place with a different set of panellists.
It all stems from the Wallabies and Waratah fullback's Instagram post which said homosexuals, among other groups such as drunks and atheists, were destined for hell unless they repented.
ADVERTISEMENT
