Israel Folau puts hand up to take on British and Irish Lions in Australian comeback

Israel Folau has declared his wish to play against the British & Irish Lions in July, chasing selection for what would be a remarkable return to playing in Australia.

Israel Folau, who now plays in Japan, wants to take on the Britsh and Irish Lions. Picture: Shoko Takayasu

Israel Folau has declared his wish to play against the British & Irish Lions in July, hoping to be selected in the trans-Tasman invitational side to face the tourists in what would be a remarkable return to Australia.

Sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for posting religiously motivated memes on social media that discriminated against the gay community – after which he took his employer to court and walked away with a multimillion-dollar settlement – Folau has not played a professional rugby game in the country since.

But the 35-year-old is keen to line up against the team that he made his Wallabies Test debut against in 2013, when he lit the world of rugby on fire with a two-try performance at Suncorp Stadium.

Israel Folau starred on his Wallabies debut against the Lions in 2013.

Folau, who now plays in Japan for Urayasu D-Rocks, wants to be considered for the AUNZ Invitational XV to play the Lions at Adelaide Oval on July 12, a week before the first Test against Australia.

Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster has already been announced as a member of the team’s coaching staff, and last week said he is keen to have Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith and former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper involved in the team.

Folau wants to be part of the list.

“If I was to get given that opportunity, it would be an awesome opportunity to play with guys that you used to play against, obviously the All Blacks, they’re world-class players,” Folau told CODE Sports.

“Getting a chance to run alongside them, and then obviously against the Lions, is huge.

“I’ve always been proud of being able to put that gold jersey on to represent the Wallabies. I was fortunate enough to do it for a very long time.

“And I’ve got nothing negative against what’s happened in the past. I still love the game over there.

“I enjoy the supporters and the fans. And if this was an opportunity that came about, it would be very exciting to play in front of Aussie supporters again.”

Israel Folau played for the World XV against the Barbarians in 2023. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Now a father of two, Folau says it would be extra special to be able to play in Australia in front of wife Maria, and their five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter.

“Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional,” Folau said.

“I think back 12 years ago, life’s changed so much, obviously a lot of things happened.

“I’ve got kids now. Life’s different, but if I do get the opportunity to play and my kids and my wife get to witness that, it would be definitely pretty special.”

The only hurdle to Folau’s potential appearance is the bilateral agreement in place between RA and the Lions – who must agree to all players considered for selection.

Because the agreement for the AUNZ Invitational team extends to Australia and New Zealand eligible players, Folau would need a special clearance given he switched his allegiance to Tonga three years ago.

But having the star fullback involved in the match would not only be a huge marketing boost for the game, but a full circle moment in the rollercoaster relationship between Folau and RA.

Some within rugby circles are hesitant to have Folau involved, given his original inflammatory post on April 10, 2019 still remains on his Instagram page.

But others are ready to move on and allow Folau a farewell match in Australia, given he has not made any more controversial posts or remarks in years.

Israel Folau hasn’t played for the Wallabies since 2019. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

RA did not have an immediate comment on the situation.

Folau believes he is more than capable of performing at his best if selected for the match.

“I love playing in front of the fans over in Australia, I’ve done it for a long time,” Folau said.

“It would just be pretty special, if I was to get given the opportunity, to play in front of them again. But particularly at this level against the Lions, it would just be something quite special, to be honest.

“I still believe I am capable and ready to play at that level. I back myself every time I get on the field.

“This year I’ve been up and down in terms of my injuries, but I’m fit and ready and I’ll be back playing next week, so hopefully I can string some games all the way through to the end of the season and just see how the body holds up.

“But definitely the mind and the body are feeling good at the moment.”

Folau added that he is well acquainted with the other stars in Japan who are being considered to play in the AUNZ team.

“Being a foreigner over here, you’re just naturally drawn to the other foreigners, whether they’re in your team or in other teams,” Folau said from Japan.

“Everyone always catches up, either before the game or straight after the game as well. It’s actually nice to see guys of that calibre playing over here in Japan.

“And it certainly lifts the standard of rugby over here in Japan. I think everyone enjoys the challenge and just being able to play with and against other world-class players.”

Originally published as Israel Folau puts hand up to take on British and Irish Lions in Australian comeback