Israel Folau could make a shock return to rugby league with the Tonga national team as they take on Great Britain, according to Fox Sports in Australia
Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in May over homophobic comments posted on his social media and he is currently disputing the governing body’s decision in court where he is claiming up to $10 million (£8m) in damages
The NRL has previously refused to re-register Folau, nut Folau is permitted to play in the Test matches with Great Britain (in Hamilton, October 26) and Australia (in Auckland, November 2) as those games are sanctioned and controlled by the Rugby League International Federation.
BREAKING: Israel Folau poised to make a shock return to rugby league when the Tonga national team take on Great Britain.
— FOX LEAGUE (@FOXNRL) September 23, 2019
By @glr_clarke
MORE: https://t.co/DEsziC20tl pic.twitter.com/s7BdgRbQ9c
In a statement, Folau said: “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to represent God, my family, my heritage and the people of Tonga. I am thankful that the RLIF have accepted my availability to play.
“I don’t want to bring any of my personal matters into this and I am grateful that the RLIF have endorsed my availability.
“What I will do now is focus on playing great rugby league and do my talking on the field.”