Australians have donated more than $100,000 to rugby star and committed Christian Israel Folau for his legal fight against Rugby Australia after he was sacked from the code.
While it’s a long way from his goal of raising a total of $3 million, donations spiked sharply on Friday morning from around $350 after midnight.
Folau’s $4-million contract was terminated in May after posts he made on social media citing the Bible were deemed homophobic.
A GoFundMe page was set up by Folau earlier this week to raise money to cover legal costs in his bid for reinstatement.
“I believe that sharing the Bible is an act of love and compassion,” he said on the page.
“I do not believe that it is fair or right that I be punished for my religious beliefs.”
The 30-year-old former Wallaby says he and wife Maria, an international netball player, have already spent more than $100,000 of their own money on fees dealing with Rugby Australia’s internal tribunal processes.
“I believe the termination of my contract is unlawful, which is why I have started legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW,” Folau said on the website.
“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.”
The fundraising page had raised almost $118,000 worth of donations from more than 1200 people as at 9.30am AEST.
“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,” Folau said.
“I have the fight of my life on my hands and every little bit will help.”