Israel Folau won’t line up for Catalans Dragons this weekend

Israel Folau has been left out of the Catalan Dragon’s side that will play Wakefield this weekend amid backlash over his controversial signing.

Israel Folau has been left of the Catalans Dragons squad for a rugby league match at Wakefield Trinity on Sunday.

The French team has faced a backlash for handing a 12-month deal to Folau, who has been widely condemned for posting homophobic comments on social media which led to him being cut by Rugby Australia last year.

Catalans Dragons have signed Israel Folau on a 1 year deal. Picture: Instagram

In an Instagram post in April that caused widespread outrage and led to his suspension by Rugby Australia, Folau condemned “drunks, homosexuals” and warned “hell awaits” them.

He was later fired before reaching an out-of-court settlement with the organisation in December.

Israel Folau at his first training session at Catalans Dragons. Picture: Supplied

In November, Folau linked the bushfires that have devastated Australia as God’s punishment for legalising same-sex marriage and abortion.

Wakefield’s upcoming home games against Catalans and then Warrington are to be celebrations of inclusion – with physical disability, learning disability and women’s teams all participating.

“Wakefield Trinity pride themselves on being an all-inclusive club where anyone from any sector of life can watch, play, and get involved in our great game,” the English club said in a statement. “This is where our focus will and should be.”

Israel Folau and his wife Maria following his settlement with Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby. Picture: Supplied

Rugby Football League, the code’s governing body, had agreed to Folau’s move to the Dragons on the condition he did not make any more controversial social media posts.

“The Super League Board accepts the legalities around the RFL’s decision to register Israel Folau, and the Board has voted unanimously to put in place measures that ensure the Super League has greater authority to stop controversial signings such as this in the future,” the league statement added.

“As a sport we have an impressive and enviable track record when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion and we will continue our great work in those areas.”

Australia's fullback Israel Folau scoring a try during the international rugby union Test match between England and Australia. Picture: AFP

Folau settled a multimillion-dollar unfair dismissal claim with Rugby Australia in December, and received an apology.

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The former Wallaby, Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos player has moved to Catalans Dragons in the south of France with his wife Maria.

Folau has said he was excited to play for the Dragons and return to rugby league in a club sponsored interview.

The Dragons cancelled a press conference this week and refused interview requests.

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Originally published as Israel Folau won’t line up for Catalans Dragons this weekend