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Folau still faces sack but could front up for Waratahs training next week

Rugby Australia says it still intends to sack Israel Folau despite meeting with the Wallabies star in Sydney on Friday but at this stage the dual international plans on fronting up at Waratahs training on Monday.

Folaus career is very much in limbo though despite wanting to remain in the 15-man code and with options elsewhere reducing by the day.

A day after RA announced it planned to terminate Folaus contract after he uploaded a controversial anti-gay post to Instagram, the games biggest name finally made contact with chief executive Raelene Castle after going to ground for 24 hours.

Before Folau arrived in suit at RA headquarters just after midday, he and wife Maria met with Rugby Union Players Association boss Prataal Raj at a cafe in the eastern suburbs. There was plenty to talk about.

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Over the next few days RA will forensically try to determine whether they have the capacity to sack Folau.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika leaves Rugby Australia headquarters on Friday.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika leaves Rugby Australia headquarters on Friday.Credit:AAP

His meeting at RA headquarters was swift and to the point. The exact details are uclear, with RA and NSW Rugby Union refusing to divulge information.

"As the meeting was held in confidence between the player and his employers, Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union will not comment on the discussions at the meeting," a statement said. "Following todays meeting the two organisations will update their respective boards on the matter to consider next steps. Our joint position regarding Israel Folau is unchanged."

RA and NSWRU would not comment on the timings of these updates or when a code of conduct hearing could take place, which needs to occur before Folau's employment can be terminated.

The Herald understands that Folau, unless he is advised otherwise, plans to turn up for work as normal on Monday morning at Daceyville with the Waratahs ahead of their match against the Melbourne Rebels.

However, further developments in the coming days could prevent that from happening.

Rugby Australia has came down hard on Israel Folau for the inflammatory social media post.

Rugby Australia has came down hard on Israel Folau for the inflammatory social media post.Credit:Nine News

Folau was flanked by Raj at the meeting and RUPA said it would support the 73-Test Wallaby.

"It is important to note that Israel remains contracted to both Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs at this time and as such has signalled his intention to continue to honour his contract," the statement said. "It is RUPAs position that any disciplinary action must be dealt with in accordance with the Rugby AU Professional Player Code of Conduct. RUPA will work alongside Israel and his representatives, the NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia to ensure that this process is followed.

"RUPA will continue to offer our support to Israel as required. The views expressed by Israel are his alone and are not endorsed by RUPA.&quotRead More – Source

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