Israel Folau’s return to rugby league hits a new hitch

Israel Folau has been told he will be cleared to return to rugby league when the QRL receives a clearance from French side Catalans.

Israel Folau will only be registered if he gets a clearance from Catalans

Israel Folau has been told he will be cleared to return to rugby league when — and only when — the Queensland Rugby League receives an international clearance from French Super League side Catalans.

Folau has also been told that his registration with Southport in the Gold Coast A grade competition will be subject to him confirming he has read and understood his obligations as a player under the QRL Rules, the QRL code of conduct and the Community Rugby League terms and conditions of NRL registration.

The ball is now in the court of Folau and his billionaire benefactor Clive Palmer after they threatened to take the QRL to court if his contract wasn’t registered by midday on Wednesday.

The QRL, however, is hamstrung. They can’t register a contract for Folau until he is given a clearance by Catalans, who have publicly insisted that their contract with the dual international remains in force.

“While the QRL acknowledges the differing views in relation to this application, the league is astounded that public commentary has included threats of protracted legal action should registration not be granted,” the QRL said in a statement.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, the QRL’s objectives are to foster and develop the game in Queensland, and to generally take action that is considered to be in the best interests of rugby league in Queensland.

“With this in mind, the QRL board has carefully considered all aspects of the registration request, in line with its current rules and processes.

“Should the registration proceed in compliance with these conditions, any breach of the code of conduct could lead to suspension, or the cancellation of the player’s registration, as it would for any other player.”

Palmer had insisted that Folau’s contract with Catalans was rendered null and void. Catalans insisted it was not. The QRL is caught in the crossfire.

They said they had not received confirmation that Folau was released from his existing playing contract, nor had he received a clearance from his last known registered overseas club.

“The QRL cannot proceed with any registration approval until such time as the clearance is received – this is in accordance with current national policy regarding international clearances playing at any level of the game,” their statement said.

“On receipt of international clearance, Folau will be granted permission to register for the Southport Tigers at a community rugby league level and no higher, as per the registration request that has been made.

“The QRL acknowledge that previous social media comments made by Folau, whilst not a registered participant in rugby league at the time, do not align to the beliefs of the game, or the QRL.

“The QRL is an inclusive organisation with a proud diversity and inclusion framework.”