Ex-Catalans Dragons star Israel Folau is probably one of the most divisive characters to have ever played either code.
The former Dragons star had been sacked and banned by Rugby Australia for a series of homophobic posts on social media back in 2019, which paved the way for Folau to return to rugby league.
He took a chance in the south of France with the Dragons, but played just one season before returning home to Australia to play with his brothers at the Southport Tigers in the local Gold Coast leagues.
Folau had also been rumoured to be assessing whether or not to take an active role in politics with close friend and Southport Tigers owner Clive Palmer a member of the United Australia Party.
However, he took the chance to sign for the Shining Arcs in Japan with World Rugby then changing its eligibility rules meaning that, from January 2022, a player has been able to represent another country following three years of not playing.
Toutai Kefu, the Tongan coach, said: “He’s going to bring a lot of experience to the table,” Kefu told ABC Radio Australia. “His presence is going to be one of the most exciting factors we’re looking forward to.”
So, Folau will now turn out in a Tonga rugby union shirt, but he will do so having failed to stop his Shining Arcs team from being relegated from Japan’s top tier.
His side will now have to play in Japan League One’s Division 2 on Saturday in a 33-19 loss to the second-tier Sagamihara Dynaboars.
Anderson
June 2, 2022 at 4:21 am
Match TAGS : Western Province vs Griquas
When : June 3rd , 2022
kick-off : 19:30
Link : https://rugbystreams.me/super-rugby-streams
Roland Orzabal
June 2, 2022 at 4:50 am
THUGBY RUBBISH
Roland Orzabal
June 2, 2022 at 4:49 am
DESPERATE FOR STORIES AREN’T YOU SARL?? PATHETIC.