Former Wallaby Israel Folau‘s employment dispute with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs will be heard in court early next year, guaranteeing even more conjecture about high-profile case.
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The Sydney Morning Herald reports the case will head to Federal Circuit Court on February 4, 2020, where Folau will argue he was unlawfully booted off his contract in May after he shared a homophobic message on Instagram.
The whole thing is expected to last between three to five days when it rolls around – if the parties cannot come to an agreement in pre-trial mediation.
The timing is awkward for anyone who just wants the legal stoush to be over and done with, but might be better news for rugby fans.
As the SMH points out, the court hearing won’t overshadow the Wallabies’ upcoming Rugby World Cup drive next month, even if the Australian side reckons with the absence of the prolific scorer.
Folau is expected to argue that his contract termination was a breach of his right to express his faith, while Rugby Australia is likely to claim they were well within their rights to bin his lucrative contract.
Fun times for all involved.
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