Israel Folau released a statement last night saying he is “considering his options” after receiving the news his rugby career is all but over with his contract officially terminated by the Australian Rugby Union.

Folau say it’s been a privilege and honor to represent Australia and his home state of New South Wales.

He says he is deeply saddened by the ARU’s decision to terminate his employment and he is considering his options.

A three-person independent panel found Folau guilty of a high-level Code of Conduct breach.

Folau has 48 hours to appeal the decision, which would either trigger a second Code of Conduct hearing with the same evidence but a new panel, or he could push to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle says while they accept the termination decision, it is a “painful situation” for the game.