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Israel Folau is out of the World Cup. The former Wallabies star, who won the John Eales Medal three times, has lost his race to be fit in time to make Toutai Kefu’s Tongan World Cup squad.
Yet, in brighter news for the Pacific Island nation, lock Adam Coleman has been called up four years after playing for the Wallabies at the 2019 campaign in Japan.
Kefu, who will fly to France on Tuesday, has named a 32-person squad with a final player to be included ahead of the August 28 deadline.
The World Cup-winner said Folau was “devastated” to miss the tournament because of a knee-injury.
“This is the squad that will be taking us to the 2023 Rugby World Cup,” Kefu said in a statement.
“It’s a squad I’m very proud to coach and I know all the players are looking forward to representing their families and all Tongans around the globe with pride”.
“Unfortunately a couple of our brothers, Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu, won’t be joining us to due to existing injuries.”
Israel Folau will miss Tonga’s World Cup campaign with a knee-injury. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
Former All Blacks back George Moala was named in the squad despite being suspended for five weeks following his lifting tackle against Canada earlier this month.
“George Moala, with the reduction of his suspension to 5 weeks, will be able to join the squad mid-campaign,” Kefu said.
Moala has also been joined in the squad by former All Blacks World Cup winner Malakai Fekitoa and lethal outside back Charles Piatau.
Coleman, 31, played 38 Tests for the Wallabies between 2016 and 2019, including in their World Cup quarter-final exit.
Coleman’s father Pau’u Afeaki captained Tonga’s rugby team in 1983 while cousin Inoke Afeaki played in the 1995, 2003 and 2007 World Cups for Tonga.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.