"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."
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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 Alaalatoaliked 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.
"We can’t accept this kind of behaviour,"Leitch said."When I see a bully the first thing I have to do is call them out and I think I'm calling you out for the right reasons. You should apologise or do something to make amends."
Until Folau decides to pick up his phone,RA are powerless to do much more. However,the hardline stance has already been applauded by rugby fans who have grown tiresome of Folau's homophobic views.