Rugby union - is the practice and expression of religious beliefs compatible with professional playing obligations?

The decision by Israel Folau to contest the termination of his employment contract by Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union has brought into focus the potential conflict between a professional sportsperson’s right to express and practice their religious beliefs, and the simultaneous obligations they owe to their employer (whether express or implied) to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring their sport or team into disrepute.

The purpose of this article is to examine instances in rugby union where the religious beliefs of players (both Christian and Muslim) conflicted with their playing obligations and ask whether there is an inherent conflict, or whether the two can co-exist.