Israel Folau says court proceedings against Rugby Australia have begun unsashed

The full back, capped 73 times by Australia, was found guilty of a code of conduct breach and stripped of his contract for an April Instagram post that said 'hell awaits' gay people.

The 30-year-old, a devout Christian, also lost sponsorship deals with car manufacturer Land Rover and sportswear brand Asics.

'I have commenced court proceedings against Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs,' Folau wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday.



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'I was hoping to resolve this matter before the Fair Work Commission, but unfortunately, we were unable to do so.

'I have been blessed to have received the support of so many of you over my journey, and I want to thank you for every thought and prayer. It has meant so much to Maria and me and gives us strength for the road ahead. God bless!'

Rugby Australia did not wish to comment on the latest development in the case.

READ: Folau fights 'unlawful termination' of contract

READ: Folau sacked by Rugby Australia

In the homophobic post, which has still not been deleted, Folau listed 'drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters,' underneath which was written 'Hell awaits you.'

Folau's lawyers, citing section 772 of the Fair Work Act, said it was 'unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion' and are reportedly seeking AUS$10 million ($7 million) in damages.

He initially published a GoFundMe page and a YouTube video asking members of the public to donate money as a contribution towards his legal battle.

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After raising $750,000, the host site took down the donations page -- citing discrimination -- before refunding all the money.

The site had been heavily criticized, with Folau's former Australia teammate Drew Mitchell accusing him of 'greed,' suggesting such pages should be used for more charitable causes.

Folau's 30-year-old's contract had lasted until 2022 and he was expected to play a leading role with the Wallabies at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

'I have been blessed to have received the support of so many of you over my journey, and I want to thank you for every thought and prayer. It has meant so much to Maria and me and gives us strength for the road ahead. God bless!' The full back, capped 73 times by Australia, was found guilty of a code of conduct breach and stripped of his contract for an April Instagram post that said 'hell awaits' gay people. Folau's lawyers, citing section 772 of the Fair Work Act, said it was 'unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion' and are reportedly seeking AUS$10 million ($7 million) in damages. In the homophobic post, which has still not been deleted, Folau listed 'drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters,' underneath which was written 'Hell awaits you.' The 30-year-old, a devout Christian, also lost sponsorship deals with car manufacturer Land Rover and sportswear brand Asics. READ: Folau sacked by Rugby Australia READ: Folau sacked by Rugby Australia After raising $750,000, the host site took down the donations page -- citing discrimination -- before refunding all the money. After raising $750,000, the host site took down the donations page -- citing discrimination -- before refunding all the money. READ: Folau fights 'unlawful termination' of contract Rugby Australia did not wish to comment on the latest development in the case. The 30-year-old, a devout Christian, also lost sponsorship deals with car manufacturer Land Rover and sportswear brand Asics. READ: Folau fights 'unlawful termination' of contract Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and features Rugby Australia did not wish to comment on the latest development in the case. The full back, capped 73 times by Australia, was found guilty of a code of conduct breach and stripped of his contract for an April Instagram post that said 'hell awaits' gay people. READ: Folau fights 'unlawful termination' of contract 'I have commenced court proceedings against Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs,' Folau wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday. Folau's lawyers, citing section 772 of the Fair Work Act, said it was 'unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion' and are reportedly seeking AUS$10 million ($7 million) in damages. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, videos and features Rugby Australia did not wish to comment on the latest development in the case. 'I have been blessed to have received the support of so many of you over my journey, and I want to thank you for every thought and prayer. It has meant so much to Maria and me and gives us strength for the road ahead. God bless!' 'I was hoping to resolve this matter before the Fair Work Commission, but unfortunately, we were unable to do so. READ: Folau fights 'unlawful termination' of contract Rugby Australia did not wish to comment on the latest development in the case. The full back, capped 73 times by Australia, was found guilty of a code of conduct breach and stripped of his contract for an April Instagram post that said 'hell awaits' gay people. READ: Folau fights 'unlawful termination' of contract After raising $750,000, the host site took down the donations page -- citing discrimination -- before refunding all the money. After raising $750,000, the host site took down the donations page -- citing discrimination -- before refunding all the money. READ: Folau sacked by Rugby Australia

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