Catalans Dragons cancel planned unveiling of controversial recruit Israel Folau

Amid a heavy backlash, Catalans Dragons have cancelled a planned unveiling of Israel Folau as the controversial move continues to backfire on the French club.

FILE: Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia for Homphobic tweet SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: Israel Folau of the Wallabies looks on during the Third International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and Ireland at Allianz Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

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Catalans Dragons have reportedly backtracked on their plan to unveil Israel Folau at a media conference due to the backlash they have received since his signing was announced.

Instead, according to ITV’s Steve Scott, the Super League club will film the unveiling in-house and distribute vision to the media.

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Folau last played rugby league in 2010.

The France-based Dragons have been widely criticised after it emerged they had signed on a one-year deal the Australian dual-code international, who was sacked by Rugby Australia last May for homophobic social media posts. Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone and St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus are among those who have spoken out against the signing. Wigan have declared their home game against the Catalans in March a ‘Pride Day’ in response.

Folau could be in line to make his Catalans debut at Wakefield on Monday in the second round of the Super League.

The controversial cross-code star last played rugby league in 2010, before embarking on a career in AFL and rugby union.

Originally published as Catalans Dragons cancel planned unveiling of controversial recruit Israel Folau