Perpignan (AFP)
Controversial Australian rugby star Israel Folau returned to competition on Saturday after a 10-month layoff, helping Catalan Dragons defeat Castelford Tigers (36-18) on matchday 3 in the Super League to XIII.
On the ground, his impact was immediate since he registered a test from the 5th minute on receiving a candle, garnering a public ovation at the Gilbert-Brutus stadium in Perpignan.
Folau had been dismissed by the Australian Rugby Federation for homophobic statements that had sparked international outcry. He had not played in official competition since April 2019.
During the meeting, Castleford supporters waved two rainbow flags, and earlier today, a Catalan LGBT association had expressed the wish to dialogue with Folau soon.
Trained in rugby league, before becoming a star in the Australian rugby union team (37 tries in 73 caps), Folau's return to this sport was carefully scrutinized by many media from England and Australia .
Without shining, the Australian made a clean copy.
The Dragons are the only French club involved in the Super League, alongside 10 English teams and the Canadians of Toronto, where the New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams plays. On the first day of the Super League, the Catalans lost (12-32) at home against Huddersfield. Their meeting on the second day had been canceled due to bad weather in England.
© 2020 AFP