Where to now for Israel Folau?

Israel Folau’s next destination remains unclear, but it’s unlikely we’ll see him in a Wallabies jersey again. Picture: Getty Images

Of all the confusion over what the settlement between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia means for the game, there’s one thing you can be sure of: he won’t be pulling on a Wallabies jersey again.

They may have settled their differences, at least in a legal sense, but the angst on both sides of this dispute is such that Folau will never play rugby in Australia again.

READ MORE: Folau, Rugby Australia reach settlement | Marathon 12-hour Folau mediation talks | Folau faces gay discrimination complaint | Australian Christian Lobby defends Folau | New chairman, no Folau reprieve

A Rugby Australia official has confirmed that the relationship between the Wallabies, the Waratahs and Folau is dead and buried.

That was also clear in the final paragraph on the joint media statement on the settlement, which reads like a goodbye note: “Rugby Australia and Mr Folau wish each other well for the future. The parties do not intend to comment further on the terms of their settlement as it is confidential.”

Israel Folau while playing with the Wallabies. Picture: AAP

The former coaches of the Wallabies and the Waratahs, Michael Cheika and Daryl Gibson, both made it clear that Folau would not be selected even if the dispute was resolved.

Both Cheika and Gibson have now been replaced, but their organisations have insisted the attitude to Folau has not changed, even though he remains one of the best outside backs in the world.

And the signing of exciting rugby league winger Suliasi Vunivalu is an indication that the Wallabies are moving on. Vunivalu, currently with the Melbourne Storm, has been signed on a two-year deal from 2021 by the Queensland Reds and will be available to play for the Wallabies, despite representing Fiji in rugby league. In Folau’s absence, he will inject some much-needed pace out wide.

Folau during his time with the Brisbane Broncos. Picture: Darren England

Folau playing with GWS Giants. Picture: Kym Smith

Folau’s future is much more likely to lie in Europe or Japan. While he was locked in a dispute with Rugby Australia, no overseas club was going to touch him.

But now that a settlement has been reached, he will be in demand. France, where several clubs are flush with funds, is probably his most likely destination.

And when he boards the plane to Europe, officials at Rugby Australia will be pleased to see him go.