Cheika Gives Evidence At Folau Code Of Conduct Hearing

Australian head coach, Michael Cheika, appeared at a code of conduct hearing on Saturday which was requested by Israel Folau following the termination of his multi-million dollar contract with Rugby Australia.

Cheika gave evidence during the eight-hour hearing which will continue on Sunday after it failed to reach a conclusion.

Folau’s contract was terminated last month for a “high-level” breach of the players’ code of conduct after he shared a post on Instagram which said that “hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators”.

Folau signed a four-year deal with Super Rugby side, the Waratahs, in March and was under contract with Rugby Australia until 2022.

Their chief executive, Raelene Castle, also gave oral evidence, however, no more witnesses are expected to be called on Sunday while Folau will not be required.

Australian media expect that the lawyers of the 30-year-old will argue that Rugby Australia did not include a specific social media clause in his new contract and also that his posts were direct passages from the Bible and not his own words.

Israel Folau arrives at Rugby HQ for a Code of Conduct hearing… it’s expected to go all day and possibly into tomorrow. @9NewsSyd @9NewsAUS pic.twitter.com/dT9kpPjQO9

— Lizzie Pearl (@lizziepearl) May 3, 2019

The panel, comprised of John West QC (Chair), Kate Eastman SC, and John Boultbee SC, are expected to announce their decision next week. Both Folau and RA will have 72 hours to appeal should they wish.