Israel Folau wants to reignite his international rugby career by playing for Tonga if eligibility rules are changed later this month.
Folau, who was sacked by Rugby Australia for social media posts saying gay people were going to hell, has spoken to Tonga coach Toutai Kefu about a comeback, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The World Rugby Council will meet on November 24 to vote on a proposal to allow players to represent a second nation. A three year time frame is being mooted.
Folau, who is preparing for a stint in Japanese rugby, is someone who could benefit from the potential change, putting him in the frame for the 2023 World Cup, should Tonga qualify.
Kefu told the Herald he had already met with Folau to gauge his interest.
“We’d definitely be interested,” Kefu said. “We’re not in a position to bypass players of Israel’s calibre. We’d welcome him with open arms.
“I’ve had conversations with him already in the last six months. I actually caught up with him just before he left to go to Japan.
“I explained to him where we were at in terms of what’s happening with this revisiting of this new eligibility rule. He totally understands it. I said, ‘If they overturned this straight away, you could be available for us next year’.
“He said, ‘Yeah, I’m keen to go’.”
The day of the vote will be three years to the day since Folau played his final Test for the Wallabies.
“Maybe there is some alignment there, maybe some divine intervention,” said Kefu.
Kefu said the rule change would mean “six or seven” players could come into the frame, having played for other nations, including England’s Billy and Mako Vunipola and former All Black Charles Piutau.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
A world where there are consequences for your actions. What a terrible world.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Still is.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
None.. He made a controversial comment.. Got cancelled....is this the kind of World we want to live in..
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
What ? “Very simply, defamation is to spread bad reports about someone which could do them harm.” A group is not someone. So by your own definition of what defamation is you can defame a person ie someone. But you can't define a group. Why don't you give that previously mentioned consistent position a crack and see how that goes. And I would have thought that the notion of free speech probably goes back to at least ancient Greek / Roman civilisation which kinda pre-dates 1215
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Do you think that wins you the argument? It doesn't and it never can, you have obviously not taken my advice to get your facts straight about freedom of speech, the evolution of which started in 1215. So why the hoo-ha about gays and heaven? Show me the facts of damage done.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
You can't defame a group, under limited circumstances you can defame a corporation but you can't defame a "group".
stillmissit
Roar Guru
RO, first you should learn what the hell freedom of speech is all about. You seem totally unaware of the history of FOS starting at the Magna Carta and hundreds of thousands who died for the principle you are happy to p up against your ignorance. Ask yourself why employers get to cancel your basic rights, when what Folau stated is already protected by laws of descrimination, defamation, human rights etc. Why didn’t she just hand him over to the law? Do you think that Falou was defamed or did he defame some group? Quote: “Very simply, defamation is to spread bad reports about someone which could do them harm.”
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Yep if he's eligible and somebody wants to pick him then why not?
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
What life ban?
Ruckin oaf
Guest
Aren't they busy praying covid away :stoked:
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
He was sacked because he broke the standards his employer set. Not canceled (whatever that is) and his career continues in Japan - so not destroyed either. Big deal. And, according to you, folk should feel free to criticize him. Or not depends on what day you're posting. How's about you get a consistent position first and then get back to us.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Rucking Oaf, did you read my post? I said all criticism is fine by me. He was sacked for making stupid statements that the left of politics disagree with because they have no idea of history and the basis of the idea of freedom of speech. Your posts just prove it.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
What? How on earth has Folau been "canceled" and why on earth should he be exempt from criticism?
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Rucking Oaf, you are being obtuse. The idea is to challenge, argue and laugh at others ideas and stupidity but NOT to cancel them, destroy their career (job as it works its way towards you) or bankrupt them with legal bills. Simple and sensible the rest is BS.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Really which passage ?
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Ok then, no challenge, no debate. Let's all just stagnate. No matter what we'll all just say "yes dear" to each other........
GregM
Roar Rookie
the AB's showed they have little credibility when they allowed Sivu Reese to play after punching out his missus. Proof that being a good footballer is all that is important. Connacht did the right thing and cancelled his contract & 4 of the 5 NZ provinces said "no way", NZ said "sign on the dotted line - your World Cup spot awaits". Anyone with domestic violence convictions should have their contract torn up & banned from all professional sports globally - fk em. Real men protect women, not hurt them
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Is that you paddy? another GUEST name I see. At least Im now right re RM eh!!!
GregM
Roar Rookie
https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/financial-fallout-of-folau-saga-revealed-as-rugby-australia-figures-leaked/news-story/ec0f135b6c2f69313881ab63e835f674
GregM
Roar Rookie
yeah but rugby is played with and without the ball. the revolving gate at the local supermarket offered more opposition than Campo in defense, Mr Folau not too far behind. No point scoring 15 points if they leak in 20