Sydney (AFP)

Rugby player Israel Folau, a fallen star of the Wallabies, said on Wednesday he was "very happy" with the amicable settlement of his dispute with the Australian federation (Rugby Australia), which had sacked him in the spring following a new homophobic release.

A 30-year-old evangelical Christian fervent, Folau caused an uproar in mid-April after posting a message on his Instagram account: "Drunkards, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters, Hell Waiting for you, repent, only Jesus can save you. "

Rugby Australia then decided to cancel the contract. The player counterattacked with a complaint of "unfair dismissal" and was preparing to claim 14 million Australian dollars (8.6 million euros) in compensation claiming that his religious freedom had been violated.

In a joint statement, Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby "and Israel Folau have today settled their dispute over the dismissal of Israel Folau after he posted a religious message on a social network, "reads the joint statement issued by the Australian federation, which would have experienced serious financial difficulties in case of defeat in court.

- "sincere beliefs" -

"Rugby Australia and Mr. Folau want the best for the future, and the parties do not intend to communicate more about the terms of their agreement, which is confidential," says the text.

The statement said Mr. Folau's message reflected "sincere religious beliefs" and that he did not want to offend anyone.

"Mr Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not endorse any discrimination based on sexual orientation and that he shares Rugby Australia's commitment to inclusion and diversity," says the text.

He adds that the Australian and New South Wales Federations "do not agree with the content" of the player's message.

The federation apologizes for the wrong that may have been caused to Folau and his family, the player claiming his side have never wanted to harm the rugby.

The ex-back of the Wallabies was quick to post a video message where we see him alongside his wife Maria and in which he says he is "really happy" with this agreement.

"Rugby Australia's apology gives us reason and we will be able to continue our lives to focus on our faith and our family," said Folau.

- The fires, "judgment of God" -

The player had the support of conservative figures as well as the Australian Christian Lobby organization which had managed to raise in two days two million Australian dollars (1.23 million euros) to help him in his legal costs.

Rugby Australia defended a dismissal for justified misconduct.

In June, the federation had explained that several of its sponsors, such as the airline Qantas, would probably have dropped it if it had not stepped up against Folau on the issue of homophobia.

Especially since his homophobic message of April was anything but a first. A year earlier, he had already pledged homosexuals on Instagram to "HELL .. unless they repent of their sins". In May 2018, he posted on social media a link to a video hostile to gay marriage that evokes "indescribable sexual perversions".

Rugby Australia had sent him a warning in 2018.

The press release does not mention at any time the player's sporting future.

Israel Folau again scandalized last month by suggesting that the huge forest fires and drought ravaging his country were "God's judgment" after the country legalized same-sex marriage and that New South Wales had decriminalized abortion.

"Look how fast these fires, these droughts, all these things happened in such a short time.Do you think it's a coincidence?" Folau had said. "God is speaking to you, Australia must repent and annul these laws, return to what is good according to God."

© 2019 AFP