Israel Folau just another face in World Cup crowd

Former rugby star Israel Folau has been spotted watching his wife Maria playing in the Netball World Cup in England.

Israel Folau captured in the stands at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool watching his wife, Maria. Picture: Getty Images

Embattled former rugby star Israel­ Folau has been photographed ­eagerly watching the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, where he has travelled to support his wife, Maria.

The 30-year-old has travelled overseas to watch and support Maria, who plays for New Zealand, and was in the crowd at the M&S Bank Arena last night to watch the Silver Ferns lose their third-round match against Australia.

Folau’s emergence in England came as the Wallabies announced who would be replacing the sacked former star in their squad in the lead-up to this year’s Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Japan from September.

Coach Michael Cheika and his co-selectors last night announced Brisbane player Tom Banks, 25, would be the team’s Test fullback, winning first crack at replacing Folau for the game against South Africa ahead of the Cup.

Folau, who is embroiled in a legal battle with Rugby Australia following his contract termination over a social media post claiming “hell awaits” gay people, maintained a low profile in Liverpool until arriving at yesterday’s match.

But this did not keep the saga surrounding his religious views from bleeding into media coverage of netball’s biggest tournament.

Maria Folau, who came under fire for endorsing her husband’s crowd-funding efforts to help pay legal fees, has declined to speak to press during the World Cup.

In an interview with Sky News last month, Israel said the fallout from his social media posts and eventual dismissal from the game had been “hard” on Maria.

“She has been dragged into this situation unexpectedly and it’s been very frustrating for her,” he said.

“I’m very lucky she is a strong woman, she is the same as me, convicted by her faith.

“She is continuing to march on and stay strong.”