SA lock's contract terminated by Waratahs

Cape Town - South African lock Le Roux Roets has had his contract with the Waratahs terminated by mutual consent.

The 24-year-old made the move to Sydney after impressing for the Pumas in the 2018 Currie Cup.

However, the move abroad has not worked out for Roets, who is yet to make his Super Rugby debut.

The Waratahs confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that his contract was mutually terminated, based on performance.

There is however some intrigue in Roets' departure as he left at the same time as Israel Folau's younger brother, John, who baptised Roets in his time in Australia.

Both Roets and John Folau attended the same church in New South Wales where Israel Folau is a frequent visitor.

John Folau's decision is believed to be an act of solidarity with his brother Israel, who last week launched legal action against Rugby Australia's decision to dismiss him over homophobic social media posts, saying he was seeking "substantial remedies" from the governing body.

The devout Christian said he was defending freedom of religion by taking his case to Australia's employment watchdog the Fair Workplace Commission.