Controversial Wallabies superstar Israel Folau will take his first steps back into rugby next month with an international appearance for Tonga.
Tongan National Rugby League chairman George Koloamatangi announced that Folau, and brother John, will pull on the red of Tonga in the Oceania Cup.
Folau's multimillion-dollar contract with Rugby Australia was terminated in May over a social media post in which he said "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" would go to hell unless they repented.
Folau is currently involved in a legal battle over that decision and the court battle could well go on into 2020.
But in the meantime Folau will play rugby league with the Tongans set to play Great Britain in Hamilton on October 26, before meeting Australia at Eden Park on November 2.
Folau said he was excited about returning to rugby league.
"I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to represent God, my family, my heritage and the people of Tonga," he said. "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 IRLF have endorsed my availability.
"What I will do now is focus on playing great rugby league and do my talking on the field."
Tongan coach Frank Endacott said he was thrilled at having the Folau brothers in his squad.
"This is great news", said Endacott. "These guys are great footballers and bring size, pace and skill to the team. They will make a huge impact in the team and provide exciting attack options all over the park."
"This will be great boost to the internationals, and I cant wait to see the crowd support that this will generate from our famous Mate Ma'a Tonga supporters," Endacott added.
"And it is good to see the RLIF approving these players for internationals. This is great for the game."
