Israel Folau set for shock international recall this summer, he's swapping nations AGAIN
Yesterday at 03:21 AM
Israel Folau, who was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 after a social media post claiming "hell awaits" homosexuals, is hoping to make a sensational return to Australian rugby.
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His A$5-million contract was terminated, and after seeking A$14-million in damages, Rugby Australia eventually issued an apology and settled for a multi-million-dollar payout.
Tonga stint and injury setback
Following his departure, Folau exploited changes to World Rugby's eligibility rules to represent Tonga, but his international comeback was brief. He managed just two Tests before a knee injury dashed his hopes of featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Lions showdown on the horizon?
Now 35 and plying his trade with Japan's Urayasu D-Rocks, Folau told News Corp he hopes to feature for a trans-Tasman invitational side set to take on the British & Irish Lions at the Adelaide Oval on 12 July.
"An awesome opportunity"
"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 said. "Getting a chance to run alongside them, and then obviously against the Lions, is huge."
Still proud of the Wallabies
Despite the controversy, Folau expressed no bitterness. "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."
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
2025 British & Irish Lions Squad: Bookies' Predictions for the Tour
With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia fast approaching, the bookmakers have released their early odds on who will make the squad.
While a lot can change between now and the final selection, these odds give a strong indication of who the bookies believe will be donning the famous red jersey next summer.
The bolded players in our proposed Lions squad represent the starting XV, according to current odds.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Fin Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Fin Smith (England) – 8/15
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – 8/11
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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