"In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract," said RA chief executive Raelene Castle and NSWRU boss Andrew Hore wrote in a joint statement. "Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union have made repeated attempts to contact Israel both directly and via his representatives since 6.30pm on Wednesday, and at this point he has failed to communicate directly with either organisation. "Whilst Israel is entitled to his religious beliefs, the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts. "Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality. "Rugby is a sport that continuously works to unite people. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our game and no vilification based on race, gender, religion or sexuality is acceptable and no language that isolates, divides or insults people based on any of those factors can be tolerated.

"As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action." Folau's deliberate decision to not remove the post, and the fact he made a similar comment this time last year and was warned by RA, left Castle no option but to put the foot down and all but draw the curtains on a stellar career in the code, which began in 2013. There was significant pressure from sponsors, too. RA's major partner, Qantas, said earlier in the day Folau's comments were "really disappointing". The timing is precarious given the two organisations are in the middle of negotiating a new sponsorship deal.

"These comments are really disappointing and clearly don’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support," a Qantas spokesperson said before Folau had been sacked. "We’re pleased to see Rugby Australia’s condemnation of the comments." Loading Providing RA do axe Folau for good, it is unclear where this latest setback leaves the dual international, who is understood to be in Auckland. The Rugby Union Players' Association released a statement saying that while it did not endorse or condone the post, it was "imperative that the proper process is followed under the code of conduct". Just last week Folau became the most prolific try-scorer in Super Rugby history and was certain to be a key figure in the Wallabies' World Cup campaign later this year in Japan.

Wallabies and Waratahs coaches Michael Cheika and Daryl Gibson will be shattered by the bombshell announcement. They now have to ponder life without the high-flying fullback, who could be poached by cashed-up European clubs or even lured to the NRL provided the price is right and he is allowed to return back to the code where he began his career. The other problem, which RA declined to comment on, is that fellow Wallabies representatives Samu Kerevi and Allan Alaalatoa liked Folau’s post. While Kerevi and Alaalatoa liked the photo, there were a number of other players, including Henry Speight, understood to have unliked the post after being warned to do so on Thursday. From New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to Matildas captain Sam Kerr, there was no shortage of outrage directed at Folau, whose faith could cost him his football career. Japan's captain, Michael Leitch, was the strongest voice of the lot and called Folau out for what he believed was bullying of the lowest order.