Australian rugby exile Israel Folau is expected to make his Test debut for Tonga when the Pacific Nations Cup kicks off on Saturday.
Folau scored 37 tries in 73 appearances for the Wallabies prior to being sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019. The 33-year-old was stood down after sharing homophobic views on social media, where he suggested "hell awaits" homosexuals if they did not 'repent'.
His international days appeared to be over, but Folau—who was born to Tonga parents—could now feature at next year's Rugby World Cup in France as he returns to the Test standard. Tonga face Fiji in their opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday, with games against Samoa and an Australia 'B' team to follow.
“He’s fitted into the group seamlessly, he’s just one of the boys,” Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu told the Sydney Morning Herald of his new recruit. “He’s a mature young man who goes about his business.”
Folau is one among a number of newly drafted talents eligible to represent Tonga after a change to rugby's Test eligibility laws. Athletes can now play for a second nation provided they have a parent or grandparent who was born in said country.
Players switching allegiances must also serve a three-year cooldown period without any international minutes. Former New Zealand stars Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau have also opted to represent Tonga moving forward.
Following his dismissal from duty with Australia and the Waratahs in 2019, Folau played for Catalans Dragons in Super League before heading to Japan. The full-back has impressed since joining the Tokyo-based Shining Arcs in late 2021 and scored 10 tries in 13 starts for the Japanese outfit.
Former Australia team-mate Liam Gill said earlier this year he felt Folau could grow to once again become "one of the best in the world." He'll get his chance to at least try, starting with a Test against an intimidating Fiji side in Suva.
“No one’s really talked about [the past], he’s just looking forward and trying to be himself and fit in, which he’s doing seamlessly,” added Kefu. “The boys love him and, no matter who you are, this mob will bring you down to earth very quickly. There’s a lot of banter and laughter and that just builds our connection.”
