Wallabies coach Michael Cheika makes surprise appearance at Folau hearing
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made a surprise appearance at Israel Folau's code of conduct hearing on Saturday as the star rugby player fights to save his career.
At 12.50pm, Cheika was spotted driving his car out of RA headquarters, presumably after giving evidence in front of a three-person independent panel.
Cheika said last month it would be "difficult" to pick Folau after his divisive social media post.
"I think as it stands right now, considering what I just said, you wouldn’t be able to," Cheika said.
In front of more than a dozen cameras, Folau was spotted in the back seat of an Audi, which disappeared into the underground carpark at RA headquarters.
NSW Rugby Union boss Andrew Hore arrived about the same time, but walked through the front doors of the building with RA chief executive Raelene Castle.
Rugby Union Players' Association boss Prataal Raj has also arrived.
A three-person independent panel will be tasked with determining whether RA has grounds to sack the Wallabies and Waratahs star, who last month posted on social media that homosexuals, drunks and atheists, among others, were destined for hell.
A panel consisting of John West QC (chairman), Kate Eastman SC and John Boultbee AM will preside over the hearing.
The hearing began at 9.30am and is expected to finish at 5pm today. A verdict, however, is not expected to be reached until about Tuesday.
Sunday has also been set aside to hear more evidence, if needed, in a hearing that has attracted worldwide attention.
RA has signalled its intent to sack Folau, while the 30-year-old is adamant his religious beliefs should not be compromised.