Wallaby outcast Israel Folau could lace up against some familiar faces in the near future following reports Tonga could be ready to select the former Australia star.
Folau, 33, was born in New South Wales to Tongan parents, and a new World Rugby law implemented in November grants him the chance at a Test rugby rebirth. Players can represent a second nation "via birth right" after a three-year cool-down period without playing at the international level.
It could even mean Folau faces an Australia 'A' team this year if he makes his way into the Tonga set-up in time for July's Pacific Nations Cup. The Sea Eagles are then hoping to face the Wallabies' first-team in Brisbane next year, shortly before France host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Tonga boss Toutai Kefu—a Wallabies legend and member of the 1999 World Cup-winning squad—has spoken glowingly of his prospective pick in the past and said he felt the nation "will welcome back Folau." The former NRL star has looked hugely impressive in his return to rugby union since joining Japanese club Shining Arcs in January, scoring nine tries in eight appearances.
His talent has rarely been in question, although Wallabies great Tim Horan recently told The Roar he must demonstrate the appropriate values "for a year to 18 months." Folau scored 37 tries in 73 appearances for Australia and was in the prime of his career when he was sacked in 2019 for sharing homophobic views.
The full-back told his Instagram followers at the time that "hell awaits" homosexuals unless they repented. He left Super Rugby outfit the Waratahs in the same year, joining Super League side Catalans Dragons in 2020 before recently returning to the 15-a-side code.
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Tonga are yet to guarantee their place at next year's World Cup but are widely expected to qualify. They'll play a two-legged play-off against one of Hong Kong, Malaysia or South Korea to decide their fate, with that trio of Asian teams set to face off in May.
Kefu—who was the victim of a home invasion alongside his family in August 2021—told Fox Sports Folau's "eyes lit up" at the prospect of playing for Tonga at the World Cup. “Putting this team together for next year, a lot of the other players," he added. "Players like Charles Piutau, I saw George Moala and Pita Ahki on Wednesday, Malakai Fekitoa, they all keep asking, is Izzy going to play? And I’ve said to them, of course, he’s bought in.”
The aforementioned list of stars are examples of the elite talent Tonga will be able to add to their ranks following World Rugby's rule change, boosting their chances of World Cup progress. Tonga have featured in the last seven World Cups in a row but have never advanced beyond the pool stage.
