Six years after his explosive departure from the Wallabies, Israel Folau is setting his sights on a return to Australian rugby, revealing that he wants to be selected in the trans-Tasman invitational side to play the British & Irish Lions.
Folau, 35, was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 after posting an explosive social media meme on Instagram that stated ‘hell awaits’ homosexuals and adulterers.
His contract at the time was worth a reported $5million.
In late 2019, Rugby Australia publicly apologised to Folau for sacking him in what was a humiliating backdown to spare the embattled sporting body a lengthy court battle in which Folau sought a whopping $14million in damages.
Folau received a multimillion-dollar settlement – and has not played a professional rugby game in the country since.
The code-hopping superstar, who is still is plying his trade in Japan, says he’d like to make his comeback for the AUNZ Invitational XV to play the Lions on July 12.
Israel Folau wants to be selected in the trans-Tasman invitational side to play the British & Irish Lions in July
The footy star (pictured with wife Maria) has not played pro rugby in Australia since his settlement with Rugby Australia
‘If I was to get given that opportunity, it would be an awesome opportunity to play with guys that you used to play against, obviously the All Blacks, they’re world-class players,’ Folau told News Corp.
‘Getting a chance to run alongside them, and then obviously against the Lions, is huge.
‘I’ve always been proud of being able to put that gold jersey on to represent the Wallabies. I was fortunate enough to do it for a very long time.
‘And I’ve got nothing negative against what’s happened in the past. I still love the game over there.
‘I enjoy the supporters and the fans. And if this was an opportunity that came about, it would be very exciting to play in front of Aussie supporters again.’
Folau, now a dad of two, says he’d love to play in front of his family in Australia.
‘Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional,’ Folau said.
‘I think back 12 years ago, life’s changed so much, obviously a lot of things happened.
Folau (pictured with wife Maria) currently plays rugby in Japan
Folau says it would be special to play in front of Aussie fans again
‘I’ve got kids now. Life’s different, but if I do get the opportunity to play and my kids and my wife get to witness that, it would be definitely pretty special.’
The fullback would need to get special clearance to participate given he’s changed his allegiance to Tonga in recent years.
Having Folau play would be a big marketing boost for the game, however.
‘I love playing in front of the fans over in Australia, I’ve done it for a long time,’ Folau said.
‘It would just be pretty special, if I was to get given the opportunity, to play in front of them again. But particularly at this level against the Lions, it would just be something quite special, to be honest.
‘I still believe I am capable and ready to play at that level. I back myself every time I get on the field.
Folau played 62 Tests for Australia, playing his last in 2017, and scored 32 tries for his country
‘This year I’ve been up and down in terms of my injuries, but I’m fit and ready and I’ll be back playing next week, so hopefully I can string some games all the way through to the end of the season and just see how the body holds up.
‘But definitely the mind and the body are feeling good at the moment.’
Folau’s sporting career kicked off in rugby league, where he played 91 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos.
He also featured in five Origin games for Queensland and represented Australia on eight occasions.
In 2010, he shocked footy fans across Australia by making a stunning switch to play AFL with the GWS Giants. Folau walked away from his multi-million dollar after just two years.
In 2013 he shifted to rugby, and was an international superstar with the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies until his dramatic sacking.
His wife Maria was a netball star with the Silver Ferns, winning Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010 for New Zealand as well as the 2019 World Cup.
