Israel Folau not selected in Tonga’s World Cup squad

After switching allegiances following his ugly exit from Australian rugby, Israel Folau has missed his chance to go to the World Cup.

Israel Folau has been left “devastated” after his World Cup dreams were dashed, with the former Wallabies flyer left out of Tonga’s squad.

The 34-year-old failed to overcome a persistent knee injury in time to be included in coach Toutai Kefu’s 32-player squad.

Kefu, who will fly to France on Tuesday, has one more player to be included ahead of the August 28 deadline but conceded Folau would not be fit enough for the tournament

“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.

The @officialTongaRU squad for #RWC2023 is in! 🇹🇴 pic.twitter.com/1pYhSREZ6V

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 21, 2023

“Unfortunately, a couple of our brothers, Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu, won’t be joining us to due to existing injuries.”

Israel Folau has missed selection. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)

Folau, who had his Wallabies contract torn up in 2019, switched national allegiance from Australia to Tonga and there was an expectation that the former rugby league star would face a frosty reception during this autumn’s World Cup, had he attended.

But while Folau has missed out, another former Wallaby, Adam Coleman, has made the squad despite never playing for Tonga

Coleman, 31, played 38 Tests for the Wallabies between 2016 and 2019, including in their World Cup quarter-final exit in 2019.

His 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, making Coleman eligible.