Sydney (AFP)

The Australian Rugby Federation announced on Monday its plans to encourage LGBT participation in national rugby, three months after firing superstar winger Israel Folau for homophobic remarks.

The governing body of Australian rugby (RA) has partnered with the country's four largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations and the International Gay Rugby, a global association of gay rugby clubs, to identify obstacles and propose solutions to increase the number of LGBT players in clubs.

"We want rugby to be a game that all Australians can practice, regardless of gender, origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation," the Australian Federation's chief executive said in a statement. Raelen Castle.

"This partnership is a decisive step for Australian rugby to foster and preserve a healthy, welcoming and appreciable environment for all," she added.

The agreement provides awareness campaigns within clubs to educate about the impact of homophobia on the safety and well-being of LGBT players, a few months after the Federation fired its star Israel Folau for homophobic.

Fervent 30-year-old Christian evangelist, totaling 73 appearances with the Wallabies, Folau caused an uproar in mid-April after posting a message on his Instagram account: "Drunkards, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists , idolaters, Hell is waiting for you, Repent, only Jesus can save you. "

The Australian Federation (RA) had, in response, decided to terminate his contract, which the player had contested. But the disciplinary commission of the RA had decided at the end of May to sack him, putting an end to the career of the player in Australia and with the Wallabies.

Folau refutes the validity of his dismissal and announced on August 1 that he was suing the Federation for "unfair dismissal".

Rugby Australia argues that the dismissal of the Australian winger is purely contractual, explaining that the player had pledged not to denigrate anyone because of his sexual orientation after a first scandal he caused last year.

A trial will be held in February 2020, unless both parties reach an agreement by then.

Only four LGBT clubs - Sydney Convicts, Melbourne Chargers, Brisbane Hustlers and Perth Rams - are currently competing in the Australian Amateur Championships.

© 2019 AFP