Israel Folau

Netball NZ backing star shooter

The veteran shooter has made headlines after it was revealed she re-posted a controversial online fundraising campaign launched by her husband, former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau.

The cross-code star had his contracted terminated by Rugby Australia last month over a social media post which included homophobic content.

Last week he started a campaign with GoFundMe but on Monday the website shut down the fundraiser which was seeking $3 million towards his legal battle with the governing body.

Maria Folau re-posted the fundraiser on her social media.

Folau victim of 'discrimination'

Ex-Wallabies star Folau had asked for public donations in his legal battle against Rugby Australia (RA) having had his contract terminated by the governing body last month, following a social media post in which he said homosexuals were destined for hell unless they repented their sins.

Folau, who had previously been warned about similar posts, received more than 700,000 Australian dollars in donations on GoFundMe, but the crowdfunding platform shut down his page and refunded all donors on Monday, explaining that "this campaign violates our terms of service" in a statement.

GoFundMe shuts down Israel Folau's controversial campaign

Folau had raised almost $NZ700,000 after issuing a plea for financial support for his legal battle with Rugby Australia (RA) after his contract was terminated for posting anti-gay messages to social media.

But the popular crowd-funding website has shut Folau's page down, saying it violates its terms of service. All donors will be fully refunded.

"We are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity," the company said in a statement. 

RA hits back at Israel Folau claims

The former Wallabies full-back had his contract terminated following an investigation into an offensive social media post in April.

Folau, a devout Christian, uploaded an image to Instagram that said "hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators".

The 30-year-old had been warned for similar comments last year and was this time found guilty of a "high-level breach" of the governing body's code of conduct.

Folau takes legal action against RA

The former Waratahs star was sacked by RA last month following an anti-homosexual social media post in April.

Folau, a devout Christian, uploaded an image on Instagram that said "hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators".

The 30-year-old had been warned for similar comments last year and was this time found guilty of a "high-level breach" of the governing body's code of conduct.

Folau did not appeal his dismissal but insisted he was not accepting the findings.

Pocock "sad" to see Folau's rugby career end

Folau’s multi-million dollar contract was terminated a fortnight ago over a controversial social media post. 

Pocock has often been seen as a juxtaposition to Folau in his views, a vocal advocate of a number of issues.

He and wife Emma did not get legally wed until same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia, Pocock uses his social media accounts to raise awareness about issues including climate change.

Folau prepares for rugby departure

Folau, a fundamentalist Christian, is awaiting sanction after being found guilty of a high-level breach of Rugby Australia's code of conduct for a post on social media that said hell awaits 'drunks, homosexuals, adulterers' and others.

The three-member panel is expected to announce its decision this week.

On Tuesday, Folau replaced his profile picture on his social media accounts with a graphic of the number '1' which says "God first".

Folau resisted "temptation" of peace offering

The troubled Wallabies star described his fallout with the governing body as "challenging" and spoke of being tempted by the "opportunity" to rekindle his career with the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies during a Sydney church address.

The fundamentalist Christian faces being sacked by RA after being found to have committed a high-level code of conduct breach for an Instagram post that said hell awaited "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers" and others.

NRL no place for Israel Folau, claims sport's chief

When Rugby Australia indicated its intention to sack Folau last month, eyes almost immediately turned to a handful of NRL clubs who could afford to bring the controversial fullback on board.

But before they could even pick up the phone, Beattie made a stand by declaring the NRL off limits for the fallen star.

Speaking in Brisbane ahead of the NRL Magic Round, Beattie reiterated the reasons behind that decision.

Players who support Folau 'have no place in Australian rugby'

The Wallabies fullback Folau has been found guilty by Rugby Australia of committing a high-level breach of their code of conduct.

The decision comes after a three-day hearing on whether his social media post that said hell awaited "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers" and others, was a breach of its rules.

A panel is now considering sanctions.

England number eight Billy Vunipola and Queensland Reds captain Samu Kerevi were among several Pasifika athletes to "like" Folau's original post on Instagram.