Waratahs chairman, Roger Davis has called for "common sense" and a settlement to be reached in the Israel Folau saga before day three of a code‑of‑conduct hearing in which there could be an announcement on the severity of breach the Wallabies star has committed.
After a stalemate on the weekend following 15 hours of deliberations, Folau will front up for a third day today in his Rugby Australia hearing for posting a photo on social media that said homosexuals, among other groups such as drunks and atheists, were destined for hell unless they repented.
The closed hearing will resume at this hour at the Sydney offices of Herbert Smith Freehills.
The three‑person independent panel will not deliver a final verdict today and it is understood that both parties involved are expecting that to come next week.
Nonetheless, there is a suggestion today could provide clarity as to whether Folau has committed a low, medium or high level breach of the professional players' code of conduct.
Given that both parties are expected to appeal whatever decision is handed down, Davis says those involved must be doing everything they can to reach a settlement so negative headlines don't plague rugby in the weeks and months to come.
There have been conflicting reports in recent days as to whether RA has already offered Folau a pay‑out in the hope he takes his money and runs.
Meanwhile, despite being stood down from playing commitments with the Waratahs and Australian coach Michael Cheika saying he would not pick Folau, the fullback has been secretly training by himself to stay fit.
His teammates are in South Africa at the moment preparing to face the Lions in Johannesburg and are no doubt keeping a keen interest in what comes out of his code of conduct hearing.
The 30‑year‑old has endured severe social media criticism – as well as some praise – for putting his religious beliefs in the public domain, which were quickly criticised by his employer.
The Rugby Union Players' Association has offered Folau – like it does to all players – access to its wellbeing services.
It is unclear whether Folau has accessed any of these services but the Sydney Morning Herald understands RA boss Raelene Castle made it clear to him during their initial meeting last month that any support he needed would be provided.
An RA representative also went to his house in the 24 hours after his post went viral to check up on him when they could not make contact with him.
RA wants this whole episode over as quickly as possible but the end is not completely in sight just yet.
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