Wikipedia

Israel Folau

Israel ‘Isileli Folau(Tongan:[fo'lɑʊ̯];born 3 April 1989) is a professionaldual-coderugbyplayer who plays as afullbackforJapan Rugby League OneclubUrayasu D-Rocks.Born in Australia, he representsTongaat international level after qualifying onancestry grounds.

Israel Folau
Personal information
Full nameʻIsileli Folau[1]
Born(1989-04-03)3 April 1989(age 35)
Minto, New South Wales,Australia
Height6 ft 4 in (1.94 m)[2][3]
Weight16 st 3 lb (103 kg)[4]
Playing information
Rugby league
PositionCentre,Wing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2007–08 Melbourne Storm 52 36 5 0 154
2009–10 Brisbane Broncos 39 37 0 0 148
2020 Catalans Dragons 15 5 0 0 20
Total 106 78 5 0 322
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2010 NRL All Stars 1 0 0 0 0
2008–10 Queensland 5 5 0 0 20
2007–09 Australia 8 6 0 0 24
Rugby union
PositionFullback,Wing,Centre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2013–2019 New South Wales Waratahs 96 60 0 0 300
2021– Urayasu D-Rocks[a] 20 16 0 0 80
Total 116 76 0 0 380
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2013–2019 Australia 73 37 0 0 185
2022– Tonga 2 0 0 0 0
Australian rules football
PositionUtility
Club
Years Team Pld G
2011–2012 Greater Western Sydney 13 2
Source:[5][6][7]
As of 14 July 2023

Folau began his professional career playing rugby league. Representing theMelbourne Stormin theNational Rugby League(NRL) from 2007 to 2008, where he broke the record for most tries in a debut year. He then played with theBrisbane Broncosfrom 2009 to 2010. Playing as awingorcentre,Folau representedQueenslandin theState of OriginandAustralia,becoming the youngest player to play for both teams. In 2020, Folau played for the French rugby league team theCatalans Dragonsin theSuper League.[8]

In 2011, Folau joined theGreater Western Sydney Giantsin theAustralian Football League(AFL) and played for two seasons. In December 2012, Folau announced he was to switch codes again, this time for rugby union, and signed a one-year contract with the Waratahs.[9]He would later become the record holder for the most tries scored inSuper Rugbyhistory post the 2019 season.[10]At international level, he made his debut for Australia in 2013 against theBritish & Irish Lions,and went on to earn 73 caps. In 2022, Folau switched allegiance in order to represent Tonga afterWorld Rugbyannounced its new eligibility laws.

Folau's statements abouthomosexualitybrought him into conflict with the administrators ofRugby Australia,and in 2019 they terminated his contract. Alleging that Rugby Australia terminated his employment on the basis of religion, Folau commenced proceedings in theFair Work Commissionbut was unable to reach a settlement with Rugby Australia.[11][12]He subsequently commenced proceedings in theFederal Circuit Court of Australia[13][14]and a confidential settlement between the two parties was released on 4 December 2019.[15]

Early life

Folau was born inMinto,New South Wales, toTonganparents, Eni and Amelia. He attendedLurnea Public SchoolandWestfields Sports High Schoolbefore his family moved toBrisbane,Queensland, in 2004,[16]after his father obtained work there.[17]In Brisbane, Folau attendedMarsden State High Schoolfrom where he was selected for the Queensland Schoolboys squad in the Australian Under-15 Championships and also represented theAustralian Schoolboys teamin 2006.[18]Folau also played several seasons of junior rugby league at the Goodna Eagles inGoodna.[19]

At the Australian championships, Folau was spotted by aMelbourne Stormscout and was invited to play his junior football with the Storm's feeder club at the time,Queensland Cupteam, theNorths Devils.He won a premiership while playing with Norths and became the first player to represent Queensland Under-19's while still only 16 years old. From playing with the Queensland Schoolboys and the Devils, in 2006, while in year 12 atMarsden State High Schoolwhere his classmates wereChris SandowandAntonio Winterstein,[20]Folau was selected to play in the Australian Schoolboys squad that toured Wales, England and France. Folau was strong, representing Australia and at the end of the tour was awarded the Australian Secondary School Rugby Leagues (ASSRL) Award for the best back of the tournament. Playing years above his age gave Melbourne the confidence to give Folau an opportunity in the NRL.

Rugby league career

Israel Folau leaving the field following the pre-match warm-up, 15 August 2008

Melbourne Storm

Israel Folau in 2008

2007

Folau was just 17 years of age when he made his debut in the2007 NRL season.His debut came earlier than his coachCraig Bellamyintended, and he was named as a replacement on theright wingfor injuredSteve Turner.He started in the side's first match of the 2007 NRL season, against theWests Tigers,and became the youngest player ever to play for the Storm.[21]In his first game, he scored the match-winning try to help Melbourne beat the Tigers 18–16. After such a solid performance in his opening game, and an injury-free year, Folau went on to play in every match of the season, the only player to do so for Melbourne in 2007. Playing superbly on the wing, coach Craig Bellamy brought Folau in to play in thecentresfrom time to time, where he would receive more ball and have more opportunity to score points. After 26 rounds Folau finished the regular season with 21 tries and 5 goals for a total of 94 career points. His try tally (21) saw him the equal top-try scorer for the 2007 regular season alongsideNorth Queensland Cowboysfull-backMatt Bowen.[22]

In his rookie year Folau broke a number of club and NRL records, the most prestigious being teammateBilly Slater's previous NRL record of most tries in a debut season (Slater scored 19 in 2003). Folau capped off a magnificent first season in the NRL by winning the 2007Dally MRookie of the YearAward and being a part of the successful2007 Melbourne Storm premiership side,that only lost three matches all year. This premiership was later taken away due to mass salary cap breaches.

Following an ankle injury toBrisbane BroncoscentreJustin Hodges,Folau replaced him in theAustralian test sideto playNew Zealandon 14 October 2007.[23]On his international debut, Folau became the youngest ever player to represent Australia at 18 years and 194 days old, passing the previous record set byBrad Fittler(18 years and 247 days) in 1990. Folau then went on to score two tries in Australia's record-breaking 58–0 victory over New Zealand.[24]

2008

In 2008, after Melbourne and New South Wales representativeMatt Kingannounced he would be leaving the Storm to play with theWarrington Wolvesin theSuper League,Folau filled the void as the starting centre for Melbourne. After seven rounds of the 2008 season, Folau was named on the wing in the starting squad to represent Australia for the second time in the Centenary Australia vs. New Zealand test, contributing a try in the 28–12 win for the Kangaroos. Folau was then selected in the starting squad as a winger in theQueensland State of Origin Teamfor game I of the2008 Series.On 21 May 2008, Folau made his debut for Queensland atANZ StadiumSydney. In the final minutes of the match, Folau scored a try on debut, but Queensland lost 18–10 toNew South Wales.Folau retained his position for game II atSuncorp Stadiumin Brisbane. Folau contributed one of the Maroons' four tries in the 30-point win over the Blues, levelling the series. In the final game of the series, game III, Folau scored two leaping tries and was awarded theMan of the Matchin Queensland's 16–10 win over NSW.

At the conclusion of the 2008 regular season, Folau was again honoured at the prestigious Dally M Awards night, winning theDally M Centre of the Yearaward. Folau had been a part of his second minor premiership in as many years with the Melbourne Storm and played in his second consecutive grand final where they lost in a rematch of last years final to theManly-Warringah Sea Eagles.[25]Earlier in the year away from the field, on 30 March 2008, it was announced Folau had signed with theBrisbane Broncosfor the 2009 NRL season. Folau's decision to leave the Melbourne Storm at the end of 2008 was influenced by his desire to live closer to his family in Brisbane, Queensland.[26]

In October 2008, Folau was chosen to play for theKangaroosin the2008 Rugby League World Cup.Folau scored two tries in Australia's successful opening match against New Zealand but would not score another try all through the series despite starting in Australia's 52 – 4 win over England and 52 – 0 win over Fiji. On 22 November he took part in his first World Cup Grand Final starting in the centres for Australia. Unfortunately for Folau he would not add a World Cup victory to his accolades as Australia lost 34 – 20 to under-dogs New Zealand.

Folau received theRugby League International Federation2008 Rookie of the Year award.[27]

Brisbane Broncos

Israel Folau playing for Australia in 2008

Folau was a major signing for the Broncos at the same time several key players, as well as coachWayne Bennettleft the club.

2009

Folau made his debut for the Brisbane Broncos in round one of the 2009 season, scoring the team's first try in a 19–18 win over theNorth Queensland Cowboys.The following week, Folau again opened the scoring in the highly anticipated clash against his former club,Melbourne Storm,soaring above his former teammates to take a catch in what would be the first try in the Broncos 16–14 win – the club's first home win over the Storm since 2005.[28]Folau continued his try-scoring feats averaging a try-a-game by Round 10. This was helped by a massive four-try haul against theGold Coast Titansin May, equalling Brisbane BroncosSteve Renouf's record for the most tries in a single game for the Queensland club.[29]

He was selected forAustraliain the one-off test match againstNew Zealandon 8 May 2009.[30]

In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25-man squad to representQueenslandin the opening match of the2009 State of Origin series,[31]and was subsequently picked on the wing for the opening State of Origin match.[32]He also played in Game 2, scoring a try, but missed Game 3 due to injury.

2010

Controversially despite signing mid-year with rival code the AFL,[33]Folau was selected and played in all three Origin games in 2010. He continued to produce try-scoring form scoring 17 tries from 16 matches with the Brisbane Broncos but his rugby league career to date was cut shorter than anticipated as the Brisbane Broncos failed to make the finals series for the first time in over a decade. Folau was also overlooked to represent Australia in the Four Nations tournament and was subsequently dis-allowed by the Australian Rugby League to play for Tonga in a warm-up match against Samoa. In a further somewhat controversial decision he was banned from being a member of the coaching staff as he had planned to run the water as a trainer for the Tongan team.[34]

Catalans Dragons

In January 2020, Folau signed a one-year deal to play league for theCatalans Dragons.[35]After playing just fifteen games for the Dragons, and scoring five tries, Folau was released.[36]Following his release, Folau was set to join theSouthport Tigersin theGold Coast Rugby Leaguein a small stint before playing rugby union in theJapan Rugby League One,[37]however was disallowed from being registered just three days before playing by theQueensland Rugby League(QRL).[37][38]

Rugby league statistics

  • denotesNational Rugby League(NRL) season champions.
  • denotes played in seasons NRL finals series.
  • denotes played in seasonsSuper Leaguefinals series.
Team Comp. Season Matches Disc. Goals Tries Points Try ratio
P W D L % SB SO G FG
Melbourne Storm NRL 2007 27 24 0 3 89 — 5 0 21 94 0.778
2008 25 19 0 6 77 — — 15 60 0.600
Brisbane Broncos 2009 19 13 0 6 68 — — 17 68 0.894
2010 20 10 0 10 50 — — 20 80 1.000
NRL Total 91 66 0 25 73 — 5 0 73 302 0.802
Catalans Dragons Super League 2020 15 9 0 6 60 — — 5 20 0.333
Total 106 75 0 31 71 — 5 0 78 322 0.736
Team Comp. Season P W D L % SB SO G FG Tries Points Try ratio
Matches Disc. Goals

Australian rules football career

Israel Folau
Folau(left)in an AFL match against theGold Coast Football ClubatManuka Ovalduring the2012 season.
Personal information
Debut 24 March 2012,Greater Western Sydneyvs.Sydney,atANZ Stadium
Position(s) Centre half-forward/Utility
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2011–2012 Greater Western Sydney 13 (2)
Total 13 (2)
1Playing statistics correct to the end of Round 23, 2012.
Source:[7]

Greater Western Sydney

As his contract with the Brisbane Broncos was set to expire at the end of the 2010 season Folau was linked to theMelbourne Rebelsrugby unionteam inSuper Rugbyand had also been linked with a move to theGreater Western Sydney Giants,anAustralian Football League(AFL) team.[39]After a three-way bidding war between rugby league, rugby union and Australian rules football, Folau signed a deal with the expansion AFL team Greater Western Sydney, estimated to be worth up to $6 million over four years.[40][41]

2011 season

Folau began hisAustralian rules footballplaying career in theNorth East Australian Football Leagueplaying for the Greater Western Sydney Giants. Initially playing in defence and struggling to make an impact, it wasn't until GWS coachKevin Sheedymoved him into the forward line that his performances improved, including 4 goals in a game againstQueanbeyan Football Club.[42]

2012 season

Folau made his AFL debut in the Greater Western Sydney Giants first match in the competition, against theSydney SwansinRound 1, 2012.

At the start of the season, Israel Folau was chosen to be one of 10 players announced by the AFL as that year's Multicultural Ambassadors. The then AFL CEOAndrew Demetriouremarked, "We're genuinely excited to provide 10 players with the opportunity to become leaders in the community, promoting the benefits of inclusion and diversity."[43]

Folau gave up on his AFL career at the end of the 2012 season, with limited success on-field. Off-field, opinions were varied on whether the publicity surrounding him was helpful for the Giants and the AFL.[44][45]

Australian rules football statistics

Season Team No. Games Disposals Kicks Handballs Marks Tackles Hit Outs Goals Behinds
2011
(NEAFL) 		GWS 4 15 * * * * * * 25 1
2012
(AFL) 		GWS 4 13 80 39 41 22 18 65 2 8
AFL Career Totals 13 80 39 41 22 18 65 2 8

Rugby union career

New South Wales Waratahs

2013–14

Main articles:2014 New South Wales Waratahs seasonand2014 Super Rugby Final
Folau with theNew South Wales Waratahs
Folau against theSunwolvesin 2019.

In December 2012, it was announced that Folau, changing sports again, had joined Australian rugby union team theSydney-basedNew South Wales Waratahsfor the2013 Super Rugby season,also announcing his ambition to play for theAustralia national rugby team.[9][46][47][48]It was also the first season for new coachMichael Cheika(whom later coached Folau asAustraliacoach).Melbourne RebelsCoachDamien Hillsaid he was sceptical about how the Waratahs, or any Super Rugby club, could fit Folau under the salary cap.[49]Folau's potential positive impact in rugby union has been likened by several players and coaches to that of fellow league-turned-rugby starSonny Bill Williams.[50][51][52][53][54][55]

Speaking in early in 2013 about his Waratahs pre-season training, Folau said he was training at bothfullbackandwing.Folau also said he welcomed the advice and mentorship of dual international and former WaratahLote Tuqiriregarding the switch between league and union.[56]Folau scored two tries in a pre-season match against Australian conference rivals, theMelbourne Rebels.[57]

Folau's firstSuper Rugbyappearance forNew South Waleswas against long-time rivalsQueenslandin thesecond round(23 February 2013) of the season atLang Park,Brisbane.[58]Folau's debuttryfor the Waratahs came in the forty-seventh minute, and was the first Waratahs try of the match. The Waratahs lost 25–17. Folau's first home appearance with the Waratahs was in thethird roundagainst theMelbourne Rebels.Although Folau didn't score, and with the Waratahs having to fight back a ten point deficit at half-time, the Waratahs won the match 31–26.[59]

Overall, by season's end Folau had played a total of fourteen of the sixteen matches for the New South Wales Waratahs in his debut season. In the process, Folau racked up eight tries, tied second overall for the season.[60]However, Folau's efforts were not enough for New South Wales to finish in a finals position. The Waratahs finished third in the Australian conference, and ninth overall (out of fifteen). Furthermore, the Waratahs had a balanced record of eight wins and eight losses, accruing a positive point differential of forty-five and taking five bonus points as well.[61]A month post-season, Folau was named in theAustraliasquad against theBritish & Irish Lions,whom were on their2013 tour of Australia.[62]

2015–16

In July 2015, he signed a deal to play forNTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanesin the JapaneseTop League.[63]However, Folau did not play for the club due to injury and the relegation of the team to the Japanese second division.[64]

Folau has been awarded theRugby AustraliaJohn Eales Medal,theWallabies' Player of the Yearrecognition, a record three times, in 2014, 2015 and 2017.[65]

Japan

2021–22

On 5 July 2021 it was reported that Folau had switched back to play rugby union for Japanese clubShining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu(formerly NTT Communications).[66][67]On his return to rugby union, Folau scored a double againstKobelco Kobe Steelersin round one of the2022 Japan Rugby League OneinKobe Universiade Memorial Stadium.The Shining Arcs won 23–24.[68][69]

Rugby union statistics

  • denotesSuper Rugbyseason champions.
  • denotes played in seasons finals series.
Team Comp. Season Matches Disc. Tries Points Try ratio
P W D L %
Yel.
Red
New South Wales Waratahs Super Rugby 2013 14 7 0 7 50 0 0 8 40 .571
2014 14 12 0 2 86 1 0 12 60 .857
2015 17 11 0 6 65 0 0 5 25 .294
2016 15 8 0 7 53 1 0 11 55 .733
2017 15 4 0 11 27 0 0 9 45 .600
2018 14 7 1 6 50 0 0 11 55 .786
2019[b] 7 3 0 4 43 0 0 4 20 .571
Super Rugby Total 96 52 1 43 54 2 0 60 300 .625
Shining Arcs League One–D1 2022 14 3 0 11 21 0 0 10 50 .714
Urayasu D-Rocks[a] League One–D2 2022–23 6 4 0 2 67 0 0 6 30 1.000
2023–24 To be determined.
Total 116 59 2 56 51 2 0 76 380 .655
Team Comp. Season P W D L %
Yel.
Red 		Tries Points Try ratio
Matches Disc.

International rugby union

Main article:List of international rugby union tries by Israel Folau

Australia

Folau made his international debut forAustraliaagainst theBritish & Irish Lionson the2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.Folau, scoring the first try of the game in the first game of the series, scored twice on 22 June atSuncorp Stadium,Brisbane,Queensland.[70]

In the2013 Autumn tour,Folau scored his tenth try of the season againstWalesand equalled the tally ofLote Tuqiri.

Folau is the fourth highest try scoring Australian international player, behindAdam Ashley-Cooper,Chris LathamandDavid Campese.[71]

Tonga

In 2021World Rugbyaltered the eligibility rules for players who had already played for another country. The rule allowed players to play for a second country if they had a "stand-down period of three years", among other requirements.[72][73]Given the rule change, and Folau's 'parental-link' eligibility,[74]he would be allowed to representTongafrom 2022 onwards.[75][76]CoachToutai Kefu,keen on having Folau play for Tonga,[76]said of the decision: "We'd definitely be interested... We're not in a position to bypass players of Israel's calibre. We'd welcome him with open arms."[77]Folau also expressed his eagerness to play forTonga,in a consice quip to Kefu: 'Yeah, I'm keen to go'.[77]The rule change would allow six or seven players to immediately representTonga,alongside Folau.[77]

In 2022 it was speculated that Folau would play for Tonga in thePacific Nations Cup,which would includeAustralia A.[78]Following confirmation of a four-teamPacific Nations Cupin July 2022, namelyTonga,Samoa,FijiandAustralia A,[79]Tonga coachToutai Kefusaid Folau's eligibility is due to be reviewed byWorld Rugbyand hopes to bring the formerWallabyin to play in the tournament.[74]On 27 May 2022, it was announced that Folau, along with well-known formerNew ZealandinternationalsCharles Piutau,Malakai FekitoaandAugustine Pulu,were selected for the Tonga squad ahead of thePacific Nations Cupin July.[80][81]

Folau made his international debut for Tonga in thefirst round(2 July 2022) of the2022 Pacific Nations Cupagainst hosts Fiji.[82]Folau was taken off after approximately a half-hour of play having obtained a hamstring injury.[83]Folau and Tonga were kept scoreless, losing 36–0.[84]

Sponsorships

In 2009, Folau was offered sponsorships byAdidasandPoweradeand, in 2013, byGoodman Fielder.[85][86]

His sponsorship deal withASICSwas terminated in 2019 after he was found guilty of breaching Rugby Australia's player code of conduct.[87][88]

Personal life

Israel Folau withDwayne JohnsonandWill Skeltonin 2014

Folau has a sister and four brothers.[17]He is the older brother ofJohn Folau,who is also a rugby union player.[89]

"Israel Folau Street" was named in his honour in October 2010 in a suburb ofGoodna, Queensland,where Folau played junior rugby league.[19][90][91][92]

On 23 October 2016, Folau announced his engagement to New ZealandnetballplayerMaria Tuta'ia.[93]They were married outdoors on a private estate inKangaroo Valley, New South Waleson 15 November 2017.[94][95]

Religious views

Folau grew up as aMormon,[96]but moved to being an active member of theAssemblies of GodChristian denomination in 2011.[97]His father, Eni Folau, is apastor.[98]Folau has credited his relationship with God as a reason for his athletic success in the NRL, AFL and rugby union.[99]In a 2017 article forPlayers Voice,Folau wrote that he reads theBibleevery day and that faith inJesus Christis the "cornerstone of every single thing in my life" and "I believe that it is a loving gesture to share passages from the Bible with others. I do it all the time when people ask me questions about my faith or things relating to their lives, whether that's in-person or on my social media accounts."[100]Folau isnontrinitarian.[101][102]He has been described as afundamentalist Christian.[103][104][105]

Same-sex marriage

In 2017, theTurnbull governmentcalled a nationalpostal surveyon the question of changing Australian law to recognise same-sex marriage. In September, the ARU management declared the Wallabies in support of the change, prompting Folau to announce his personal opposition a day later onTwitter,where he wrote: "I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage."[106][107]Folau later wrote inPlayers Voice:"I didn't agree withBill Pulvertaking a stance on the same-sex marriage vote on behalf of the whole organisation, but I understand the reasons behind why he did. "[100]

Homosexuality

In March 2015, Israel Folau, playing for the New South Wales Waratahs Rugby team, told ABC radio that there was no room for homophobia in the game, amidst allegations of homophobic sledging originating from a player on his team, and denied there was homophobia in his club.[108][109]

Folau's religious views became a subject of controversy in April 2018, when a follower of hisInstagramaccount asked him what God's "plan for homosexuals" was, and Folau replied: "Hell.. unless they repent of their sins and turn to God. "[110][111]

Folau later wrote inPlayers Voice"My response to the question is what I believe God's plan is for all sinners, according to my understanding of my Bible teachings, specifically1 Corinthians 6:9–10".[100][112]The tweet led to accusations ofhomophobiaagainst Folau and of religious discrimination against him by accusers. The Wallabies chief sponsorQantascondemned Folau's comments, announcing: "We've made clear to Rugby Australia that we find the comments very disappointing."[113]Rugby Australia's CEO, Raelene Castle, said that they accepted Folau's position, though they did not agree with his views, and he would not be sanctioned by the organisation.[114]

Folau wrote: "Since my social media posts were publicised, it has been suggested that I am homophobic andbigotedand that I have a problem with gay people. This could not be further from the truth. I fronted the cover of theStar Observermagazine to show my support for theBingham Cup,which is an international gay rugby competition for both men and women. I believe in inclusion. In my heart, I know I do not have any phobia towards anyone. "[115]

Gender optional birth certificates

On Wednesday, 10 April 2019, the Tasmanian Parliament passed amendments to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act to allowgender to be changedon Birth Certificates by a simple statutory declaration. Later on that day on his personalTwitteraccount, Folau posted a screenshot of the news headline that read: "Tasmaniabecomes first Australian jurisdiction to make gender optional on birth certificates ". Folau then tweeted: 'The devil has blinded so many people in this world. Repent and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free".[116][117][118]

In response,Andy Brennan,Australia's only openly gay male professional soccer player at the time, said "If I was 16 years old and reading what he said, it would have made me feel awful", and "You can't let negativity win, otherwise what [Folau] says wins."[119]

Bible verses

Some hours later, in his personalInstagramaccount, Folau posted a screenshot of ameme,quoting1 Corinthians 6:9-10"WARNING Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, IdolatorsHELLAWAITS YOU. REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES ". Folau, in the same Instagram post also quotedGalatians 5:19-21,[120]and two verses onrepentance,salvationandjustification,Acts 2:38 and Acts 17:30.[121]Rugby Australia immediately denounced the post ashomophobic.[117]The next day, (11 April 2019) Rugby Australia announced their intention to terminate his contract "in the absence of compelling mitigating factors", and said they had been unable to contact him.[122][123]Folau's post and the actions of Rugby Australia divided opinion amongst players and supporters and ignited a human rights debate across Australia, with Rugby Australia arguing its "inclusiveness" policy had been breached, and others calling for tolerance of the expression of religious views.[124][125][126][127][128]Ahead of his disciplinary hearing, Folau expressed a determination to continue playing rugby, while still holding to his beliefs.[129]

Church sermons

Delivering a sermon at his church on Easter Sunday at the height of the controversy, he broke down while recalling the words from the Bible, Matthew 16:26,[130]"For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"[131]

Folau, in a church sermon, said that the devil is behind primary school children being allowed to decide if they wanted to change gender by taking away the permission of their parents. He also said homosexuality is a sin.[132][133]

In November 2019, Folau was criticised following his preaching in regards tosame-sex marriageandabortion.[134][135]Quoting from theBook of Isaiah[136]he said he believes the scripture is talking to Australia, and said, "Look how rapid thesebushfires,these droughts, have come in a short period of time. Do you think it's a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys. "[137]In response, the Australian Prime MinisterScott Morrisondescribed Folau's remarks as "appallingly insensitive".[138]

In May 2019, aCode of Conducthearing was undertaken, during which the CEO of Rugby Australia,Raelene Castle,suggested she would have terminated Folau's contract if he had "photocopied Bible passages" and posted them to his social media.[139]Folau was found to have breached Rugby Australia's code of conduct,[140]and later that month he lost a sponsorship deal withASICS.[141]On 17 May 2019, his 4-year employment contract with Rugby Australia was terminated early, ending his career with the Waratahs and the Wallabies.[142]

At the May 2019 hearing, Folau said that at least 15 teammates and members of the coaching staff had either provided him with messages of support and/or urged for his return to the playing field.[137]

On 6 June 2019, Folau launched legal proceedings with theFair Work Commissionagainst Rugby Australia and the Waratahs under section 772 of theFair Work Act,which makes it unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion.[143][144]Folau launched aGoFundMecrowdfunding campaign in mid-June and sought to raise $3 million to cover his legal costs.[145][146]Some of his former teammates described Folau's appeal as selfish and greedy.[147]Folau was also criticised for seeking crowdfunded money despite accumulating a multi-million dollar fortune.[148]The appeal included a statement that "there will be no obligations on Israel Folau to... apply the funds in any particular way".[149]On 24 June 2019, GoFundMe shut down Folau's fundraising campaign, stating that it violated GoFundMe's terms of service by promoting discrimination or exclusion, and that all donations would be refunded.[150][151]In a response to the termination of Folau's GoFundMe campaign, theAustralian Christian Lobby(ACL) announced on 25 June 2019 that it was donating $100,000 to Folau, was setting up an alternate donation site, and that any funds raised would only be used for his legal costs.[152][153][154][155]The second campaign raised over $2 million in two days before being paused by the ACL with Folau's consent.[156]

On 19 July 2019, the Fair Work Commission issued a certificate confirming all reasonable attempts to resolve the dispute between Folau and Rugby Australia had been unsuccessful.[157][158]On 1 August 2019, Folau launched legal action in theFederal Circuit Court of Australia,against RA and NSW Rugby for unlawful termination on the basis of religion, breach of contract and restraint of trade.[14]Folau sought an apology, compensation, penalties and the right to play rugby union again.[13][159]

In November 2019, Folau increased his compensation claim against Rugby Australia to $14 million, claiming that he could have been a Wallabies captain.[160][161]This claim was viewed with bemusement and ridicule from past and present Australian rugby union players, as Folau had never held a captaincy or vice-captaincy position with any of the football teams he had been a part of.[162][163][164][165][166]

Folau and Rugby Australia issued a joint statement and apology on 4 December 2019 that stated no harm had been intended by either party and announced that a confidential settlement had been reached.[15][167]

In December 2019, theAnti-Discrimination Board of NSWdecided to investigate a complaint that Folau had engaged in homosexuality vilification.[168]The case was rejected and dismissed during April 2020 initial proceedings, and was found to be ofcollateral purpose, as a means to pressure the respondent to settle with him.[169]

Other controversies

After Folau signed for theCatalans Dragonsin 2020, he caused controversy again, in the first game of the season againstSt Helens,being the only player of both teams refusing totake the knee,as a symbol of solidarity againstpolice brutalityandracism.[170]

Honours

Individual

Rugby league

Team

Rugby league

  • 2007:NRLPremiers(Melbourne Storm)(stripped)
  • 2008:NRL Minor Premiers(Melbourne Storm)(stripped)

Rugby union

Representative

Rugby league

  • 2007:All-time Youngest Australian International Player(18 years and 194 days)
  • 2007–09:Australian Kangaroos Test Squad (3 Tests)
  • 2008:Australian Rugby League World Cup Squad (5 Matches)
  • 2008–10:Queensland State of Origin Squad (8 Matches)

Rugby union

National Rugby League Records

  • 2007:Most Tries in a Debut Season(21)

Notes

  1. ^abWhen Folau joined the team, they had the nameShining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu.
  2. ^
    Further information:Folau legal proceedings
    The2019 seasonwas cut-short for Folau following his contract being terminated byRugby Australia(RA).

References

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