A code of conduct hearing to determine the playing future of Wallabies star Israel Folau began on Saturday at the headquarters of Rugby Australia.
The 30-year-old outside back is appearing before the hearing to fight Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract after he posted in mid-April on social media that gay people, along with other "sinners," will face damnation unless they repent.
Folau is facing a three-person code of conduct panel chaired by Sydney lawyer John West. The panel also includes Rugby Australia representative Kate Eastman and Rugby Union Players Association representative John Boultbee.
FILE - In this June 25, 2016, file photo, Australian rugby union player Israel Folau points to the sky after scoring a try against England during their rugby union test match in Sydney. The 30-year-old Folau will appear before a code of conduct hearing at Rugby Australia's headquarters in Sydney to determine the playing future of the star Wallabies fullback on Saturday, May 4, 2019. (AP PhotoRick Rycroft, File)
An extra day has been set aside in case the hearing has to go into Sunday. A decision is not expected to be announced this weekend.
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FILE - In this June 25, 2016, file photo, Australian rugby union player Israel Folau, wearing tape on his wrist adorned with a cross, runs toward the try line to score against England during their rugby union test match in Sydney. The 30-year-old Folau will appear before a code of conduct hearing at Rugby Australia's headquarters in Sydney to determine the playing future of the star Wallabies fullback on Saturday, May 4, 2019. (AP PhotoRick Rycroft, File)