Israel Folau set for international return after Tonga switch

Israel Folau is set to return to international rugby with Tonga – three years after having his contract with Australia terminated.

The 33-year-old back had his Australia contract terminated in 2019 after posting a homophobic tweet.

Folau – a fundamentalist Christian, is able to switch counties after World Rugby changed its rules last year.

The change in World Rugby rules meant that from January 2022 a player could represent a different country after a stand-down period of three years and move to a nation of their, their parents’ or grandparents’ birth.

Tonga have picked Folau – a centre and winger – for the Pacific Nations Cup and a World Cup play-off in July.

In January, former Tongan captain Aleki Lutui told The Rugby Paper that Israel Folau should be welcomed into the Tongan rugby union set up.

Former All Blacks Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa also headline the new Tonga squad.

Folau has also played rugby league and Australian rules football.

He had a spell at rugby league side Catalan Dragons but was released from his contract in June 2021.

Folau returned to rugby union when he joined Japanese Top League side Shining Arcs last year.