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Israel Folau £2.15m contract with Australia terminated

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Folau’s sacking comes after an independent three-member panel gave the green light after it had been determined the Wallaby had committed a breach of RA’s code of conduct.

The 73-cap full-back has become a free agent after the union took action against their superstar for social media posts condemning ‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers’ and others.

The option of appealing the decision is available for Folau to take within the next 72 hours, with the Waratahs star saying he is ‘considering his options’ in a statement.

In what has been a worrisome 18 months on the pitch for head coach Michael Cheika and the Wallabies, they now head to the World Cup without the prowess of Folau’s playing ability.

RA chief executive announced the news at a press conference on Friday, and said the union had been forced into a situation where no alternative was justifiable.

“We want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game,” said Castle, who gave Cheika a vote of confidence last October.

“Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action.”

“This has been an extremely challenging period for Rugby and this issue has created an unwanted distraction in an important year for the sport and for the Wallabies team.

“When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it. People need to feel safe and welcomed in our game regardless of their gender, race, background, religion, or sexuality.”

Folau is understood to have rejected a AUD$1m settlement offer from RA prior to his code of conduct hearing on 4 May.

The termination of 30-year-old’s contract means he leaves rugby union with nothing and has also been dropped by sponsor Asics.

Estimates from the code of conduct hearing have suggested the code of conduct hearing alone ran up costs of £300,000 across both sides, leaving Folau having to dig deeper into his pocket if he wishes to appeal.

In a statement, Folau upheld his right to freely express his religious views.

“As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression,” he said. “The Christian faith has always been a part of my life an I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s word.

“Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work or play for my club and country.”

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Transfer: Gabriel Jesus Could Leave Arsenal as Napoli Show Interest

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Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could leave the club this summer, with Italian side Napoli reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian forward.

According to Sky Italia, Napoli’s new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, is a long-term admirer of Jesus and is keen to explore the possibility of bringing him to Serie A.

Jesus and Allegri share the same agent, Giovanni Branchini, who was reportedly spotted at Napoli’s pre-season training camp in Castel di Sangro on Friday.

A meeting could reportedly take place to discuss a potential move for the Arsenal forward.

Napoli’s interest could depend on their ability to offload one of their existing strikers. The club would reportedly need to find new destinations for Lorenzo Lucca, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, or Romelu Lukaku before making a move for Jesus.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to consider offers of around £18 million for the 29-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract with the Gunners.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and could now be heading for a new challenge in Italy if Napoli’s interest develops into a formal transfer.

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Transfer: Liverpool Agree Loan Deal for Barcelona Defender Araujo

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Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign Uruguay international Ronald Araujo on loan.

According to Sky Sports, the deal could be completed this weekend, with the 27-year-old defender set to move to Anfield on a straight loan arrangement.

Araujo renewed his Barcelona contract last year, extending his stay at the Catalan club until 2031.

However, the defender endured a difficult campaign last season and was subsequently granted an extended leave of absence from the team.

The proposed move to Liverpool would give Araujo an opportunity to revive his career in a new league and country.

The Uruguay international joined Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018 before making his first-team breakthrough a year later.

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LaLiga: Mourinho Introduces Four New Rules at Real Madrid

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Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly introduced a series of new rules at the club after identifying what he considered bad habits within the dressing room.

Mourinho returned to the Spanish giants for a second spell this summer and has already begun implementing changes to improve discipline and professionalism within the squad, according to AS.

One of the new measures concerns players’ diets. The Portuguese manager has reportedly ended the freedom for players to eat whatever they choose, with the club’s nutritionist now responsible for overseeing their meals.

Under the new system, menus will be carefully structured and determined according to the nutritional needs of the players.

Mourinho has also introduced a disciplinary measure for players who arrive late to training. Such players will reportedly be required to undergo individual gym sessions.

Another rule concerns injury rehabilitation. Players recovering from injuries will now be expected to complete their rehabilitation at the club’s training ground under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical and fitness staff rather than working independently with external personnel.

The changes are part of Mourinho’s reported efforts to establish greater discipline and control within the Real Madrid squad following his return to the club.

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