Israel Folau

Israel Folau

Australia AustraliaathleteMaleb. 19894.5Global Dominance: 0.01%

Israel Folau is a former Australian rugby player known for his exceptional skills on the field and his controversial off-field remarks. A dual-code international, Folau played for the Wallabies in rugby union and had a successful career in rugby league, becoming one of Australia's highest-profile athletes. His tenure in rugby was marred by public disputes over his social media posts, which led to his dismissal from Rugby Australia in 2019. Despite the controversies, his impact on the sport and his ability to draw crowds and media attention were significant.

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Recent news mentions

Israel Folau expresses his hurt over being excluded from a contract due to his beliefs.

Laurie Daley can’t save the NSW Blues. But Andrew Johns can
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2026-06-20
5.0

Israel Folau had his Rugby Australia contract torn up in 2019 after making homophobic comments.

NZ NRL player Asu Kepaoa sent off for alleged homophobic slur in reserves match
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2026-06-19
2.0

Israel Folau is a professional rugby player whose potential registration with the NRL has sparked significant debate due to his controversial past.

The NRL has a lawful path if it wants to bar Folau. Spiking a contract in the dark isn’t it
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2026-06-19
5.0

Israel Folau is mentioned as a former client of Adam Casselden in a previous legal dispute.

Inside the Zac Lomax legal stoush between Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2026-02-28
5.0

Israel Folau is a former rugby player who has been a mentor to Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii.

Israel Folau spotted at Wallabies training for first time in seven years
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-10-21
8.0

Mark Nawaqanitawase looked up to Israel Folau for his similarities and ability to play multiple sports.

Sydney Roosters ban convicted drug courier Aaron Macey from their dressing rooms
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-09-27
7.0

Civic’s work representing Israel Folau during his clash with Rugby Australia is mentioned.

Big salaries back at the big end of town
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-08-20
5.0

Israel Folau is a former Wallabies player known for his memorable performances in the 2013 Lions series.

Max Jorgensen on how he became Wallabies’ leading man
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-07-25
6.0

Israel Folau is a former Wallabies player who inspired Joseph Suaalii during his childhood.

The day Joseph Suaalii, 14, trained with the Wallabies. It began his path to the Lions
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-07-18
7.0

Israel Folau is referenced as a comparison for Joseph Suaalii's playing style.

Never assume anything when playing against a Joe Schmidt team – The Irish Times
The Irish Times – major Irish daily, est. 1859·IrelandIreland· 2025-07-18
5.0

Israel Folau is mentioned by Mick Byrne as a comparison for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's athleticism.

James Slipper – the great Wallabies survivor – lines up shot at triple redemption
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-07-05
6.0

In 2019, rugby player Israel Folau reached a settlement with Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby Union after he was sacked over a social media post he said reflected his 'genuinely held religious beliefs' on homosexuality.

What it means for employers, employees
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-06-26
5.0

Israel Folau’s switches from league to AFL and then to rugby are notable deals brokered by Moses.

Who is Lachlan Galvin’s player agent?
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-04-15
6.0

Israel Folau expressed disappointment at Rugby Australia over being snubbed for the British & Irish Lions game.

Israel Folau ‘disappointed’ at Rugby Australia over British & Irish Lions snub
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-04-04
4.0

Although he shares a superb vertical leap with Israel Folau, the two really are chalk and cheese as players.

Hip-drop tackles are blight on game and rugby bosses need to stamp them out
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-03-31
5.0

Folau launched a claim for wrongful dismissal against RA, claiming he had lost $14 million in potential revenue.

Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh rules out Israel Folau farewell against Lions
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-03-29
5.0

Suaalii has generated a buzz about a Waratahs player – and a Super Rugby season – not seen since the early days of Israel Folau.

Has rugby’s multimillion-dollar recruit already paid for himself?
The Sydney Morning Herald·AustraliaAustralia· 2025-02-12
5.0