5. Israel Falou – Australia to Tonga
Israel Falou is set to be joining Fekitoa and Piutau in the reinforced Tongan side, for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The versatile back has played both codes of rugby, having started his career at Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos in Australia’s NRL.
Falou made his initial switch to rugby union in 2013, where he aligned with the New South Wales Waratahs. He was then fast-tracked into the Wallabies squad, where he made 73 appearances until 2019. That year, Rugby Australia terminated his contract, after Falou presented discriminatory attitudes towards same-sex relationships on social media.
Falou then headed back to Rugby League, where he joined Perpignan-based Catalans Dragons in the Super League. He was with the Dragons throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, yet in 2021 it was announced that Falou would make his second code-switch, as he agreed a move with Tokyo club the Shining Arcs, in the Japanese first division.
With Tongan parents, the 34-year-old became eligible to play for the Pacific Island after the World Rugby laws changes, and made his debut for Tonga in the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup against Fiji. However, Falou’s debut was not one for him to remember, as he was substituted off with a hamstring injury after half an hour’s play.