Sydney (AFP)
Licensed by the Australian Rugby Union for homophobic remarks, Israel Folau is doing a spin: it will return to XIII, and with Tonga, said the Tongan team on its Facebook page Monday.
"Israel and John Folau will return to rugby at thirteen and play for Mate Ma'a Tonga," Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) reported.
Fervent Christian evangelical born of Tongan parents, Folau, 30, had caused an uproar in mid-April after the publication of a message on his Instagram account: "Drunkards, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters Hell is waiting for you, and only Jesus can save you.
Folau, one of the best riders in the world who should have been one of the Wallabies centerpieces at the current Rugby World Championship in Japan, was fired for the talk. He then sued the Australian federation for wrongful dismissal.
"I am grateful that the International Rugby League has accepted my availability," Folau said in a statement issued by the TNRL.
With his brother John, Israel Folau returns to his first love: he had indeed started with rugby league, which he practiced internationally with Australia, before switching to Australian football and rugby union.
He then exploded at the Waratahs (2013-2019), becoming the best scorer in the history of Super Rugby (60 tries) and one of the best backs in the world, as well as in the jersey of the Wallabies (73 caps) .
The Tongan National Rugby League will face Britain in Hamilton (New Zealand) on October 26, and Australia in Auckland (New Zealand) on November 2 as part of the Oceania Cup.
© 2019 AFP