Anti-LGBTQ+ Rugby Player Israel Folau Plots Career Comeback
Homophobic former Australian rugby champ Israel Folau says he has "no regrets" about torching his career, as he mounts yet another effort to get back into play at a level he once enjoyed.
The New Zealand Herald reported that "Folau is eying a return to international rugby with Tonga, three years after...[h]e was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for an Instagram post saying that 'hell awaits' gay people and others he considers sinners."
Despite having lost his $4 million contract with the Wallabies and seeing lucrative endorsement deals slip through his fingers, Folau told the press that he has "no regrets about anything," adding that now that he's playing in Japan, he's "grateful for the opportunity."
Still, a switch to Tonga would be a "huge honor," Folau went on to say. If all goes well, he might represent that nation in next year's Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in France.
"Coach Toutai Kefu has reportedly sounded out the 32-year-old Folau who played 73 tests for Australia between 2013 and 2019," the Herald reported.
But it's not just a matter of Folau making his way onto the team, the Herald noted; Tonga also needs to qualify for the event, the article noted.
"Representing your heritage and where you're from, representing your parents is something that is quite close to not only myself but to many other Polynesians," Folau said.
"It would be a huge honor if I got the opportunity," the rugger added. "We'll see if that opportunity comes about, but I'd love to put the Tongan jersey on and represent Tonga."
A recent change in eligibility guidelines accounts for the possible switch to the Tonga team, Planet Rugby explained.
"The change in ruling from World Rugby states that players can switch teams if they have not played 100 Test matches, had a stand-down of three years and have a parent or grandparent born in the country they look to represent."
The high-profile dashing of Folau's career in Australian rugby unfolded in 2018, when he had repeated violations of team and national sport rules for online conduct. After repeatedly posting anti-gay comments, Folau was eventually found to be in "high breach" of his contract and was fired by the team.
Folau filed suit, claiming religious persecution. Eventually a settlement was reached, and Folau apologized for his comments.
But his homophobic attacks continued, with the athlete at one point declaring that a period of devastating brush fires in Australia were "God's judgement" for marriage equality having come to that country.
The rugby player has been shadowed by the controversy ever since as he seeks to get his career back on track. Even so, he has remained steadfast in standing by his anti-LGTBQ+ sentiments.