Israel Folau has set up a GoFundMe page in an attempt to cover the costs of his legal battle against Rugby Australia. He is hoping to raise €1.83million.
Folau was sacked in May after homophobic comments he made on social media, losing a €2.4million four-year contract as a result.
The 30-year old has already spent €56,000 of his own money up to this point, and is aiming to raise another 3million Australian dollars. At the time of writing, he had raised 988 Australian dollars from 13 donations.
In a video posted on his personal website he said:
I believe the termination of my contract is unlawful, which is why I have started legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW.
In response, Rugby Australia have already said that they will 'divert significant resources' to fight me in court.
Even if I win, Rugby Australia can appeal. There is every chance that a prominent test case like this could take years and eventually end up in the High Court of Australia.
My wife Maria and I have already spent over 100,000 (Australian dollars) of our own money and that was just to try and deal with Rugby Australia's internal tribunal processes. The money I am asking for is solely to fund the rest of my action in court.
I know I am putting myself on the line - this action will be very costly in terms of time, money and reputation - but I do not intend to stop now.
I would be very grateful for your support.
