Israel Folau set for rugby league return with Tonga

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Israel Folau arrives for a conciliation hearing at the Fair Work Commission in Sydney, Friday, June 28, 2019. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Sacked Wallabies full-back Israel Folau could be set for a return to rugby league after being registered to play for Tonga in their upcoming Test matches.

Folau had his contract terminated by Rugby Australia in May following an Instagram post which said: ā€œdrunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolatersā€ would go to hell unless they repented.

The 30-year-old has since launched legal action against the governing body but the outcome of that case may not be known until 2020.

Tonga are due to play Great Britain on October 26 and Australia a week later, and Folau is looking forward to the chance of potentially featuring in rugby league once again.

ā€œIā€™m so grateful to have the opportunity to represent God, my family, my heritage and the people of Tonga,ā€ he said. ā€œI am thankful that the RLIF have accepted my availability to play.

ā€œI donā€™t want to bring any of my personal matters into this and I am grateful that the IRLF have endorsed my availability.

ā€œWhat I will do now is focus on playing great rugby league and do my talking on the field.ā€

Head coach of the Tongan national team Frank Endacott welcomed Folau’s return, who is set to be joined by his brother, John, in the squad.

ā€œThis is great news,ā€ Endacott said. ā€œThese guys are great footballers and bring size, pace and skill to the team. They will make a huge impact in the team and provide exciting attack options all over the park.

ā€œThis will be great boost to the internationals, and I cant wait to see the crowd support that this will generate from our famous Mate Maā€™a Tonga supporters.

ā€œAnd it is good to see the RLIF approving these players for internationals. This is great for the game.ā€

Despite Endacott’s words, it is unclear whether the Rugby League International Federation have officially given the green light.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie, who stated in June that Folau would not be welcomed back in the NRL, is also the deputy chairman of the RLIF.

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