Israel Folau set for sensational new career outside of rugby league

Former NRL, Super League and rugby union star Israel Folau is one of the most polarising characters sport has ever seen.

Folau was sacked from Rugby Australia in 2019 for homophobic remarks, with the NRL outlining that he would not be allowed back into the competition either.

However, Catalans Dragons took a punt on him to bring Folau into Super League where he thrived before ultimately staying at home following the culmination of the 2020 Super League season.

That led the superstar to link up with his brothers at the Southport Tigers in the local Gold Coast league, with politician Clive Palmer bankrolling Folau’s stay at the club.

Catalans had initially been unwilling to waiver the club’s hold over his registration, but the matter was sorted and Palmer was able to unveil his man at an intrigued press conference.

Although the Aussie is now signed to Japanese rugby union side the Shining Arcs, Folau is reportedly set to enter into the political world.

The 32-year-old is still in contact with Palmer which could lead Folau to stand for the Queensland senate in the United Australia Party, according to Fox Sports.

Candidates for the senate and house of representatives will be announced next week, but it would surely be one of the most fascinating sporting stories to unfold.