Few Australian athletes have sparked as much debate as Israel Folau. From his remarkable cross-code career to the controversy that ended his Rugby Australia contract, his story is a mix of talent, faith, and legal battles. This article separates verified facts from speculation, drawing on official sources to give you the clearest picture yet.
Full name: Israel ‘Isileli Folau ·
Born: 3 April 1989, Minto, New South Wales, Australia ·
Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) ·
Weight: 105 kg (231 lb) ·
Position(s): Fullback, Wing, Centre ·
International caps: 33 (Australia rugby union), 0 (Tonga rugby league as of 2025)
Quick snapshot
- Australian-born professional athlete (Wikipedia biography)
- Played NRL, AFL, Rugby Union (Wikipedia biography)
- Born 1989, Tongan heritage (Wikipedia biography)
- Stood for conservative Christian values (Wikipedia biography)
- 90 NRL games for Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos (Wikipedia biography)
- 33 Wallabies caps (2015–2019) (Wikipedia biography)
- Scored 37 tries in international rugby union (Wikipedia biography)
- Played in two NRL grand finals (Wikipedia biography)
- 2019 Instagram post deemed homophobic (ESPN report)
- Found guilty of high-level code-of-conduct breach (ESPN report)
- Contract terminated by Rugby Australia (ESPN report)
- Filed unfair dismissal claim; settled in 2020 (ESPN report)
- Signed to play rugby league for Tonga in 2024 (New Zealand Herald)
- Co-founder of The Called Out Ones ministry (New Zealand Herald)
- Active on Instagram (313K followers) (New Zealand Herald)
- No current contract with any Australian professional team (New Zealand Herald)
Eleven key facts, one pattern: Folau’s athletic versatility spans three codes, but his career is defined by a single, precedent-setting controversy.
Here is the verified career snapshot, drawn from official records and editorial sources.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Israel ‘Isileli Folau |
| Date of birth | 3 April 1989 |
| Place of birth | Minto, New South Wales, Australia |
| Height | 1.90 m |
| Weight | 105 kg |
| Position | Fullback, Wing, Centre |
| Rugby union caps (Australia) | 33 |
| Rugby union tries (Australia) | 37 |
| NRL games | 90 |
| AFL games | 13 |
| Spouse | Maria Tutaia |
The pattern: Folau’s statistics tell a story of elite versatility, but his career timeline is punctuated by legal and regulatory battles.
What is the latest verified information about Israel Folau?
As of 2025, the most concrete development is Folau’s planned return to rugby league with Tonga, announced in early 2024. The New Zealand Herald reported that Tonga National Rugby League chairman George Koloamatangi confirmed the move, though the Rugby League International Federation’s approval was still pending at the time (New Zealand Herald).
In 2022, Folau returned to rugby union for Tonga after World Rugby changed eligibility rules. ABC News reported on 27 May 2022 that he was named in Tonga’s squad for the Pacific Nations Cup and World Cup qualifying (ABC News report). The Guardian also confirmed the selection on the same day (The Guardian report).
His Rugby Australia contract was terminated in May 2019 after a code-of-conduct hearing over social-media posts. The disciplinary process ran over three days and lasted more than 22 hours, according to ESPN (ESPN report). Sky Sports reported that the termination was publicly announced on 17 May 2019 (Sky Sports timeline).
In 2020, Folau settled his unfair dismissal claim against Rugby Australia. The terms were confidential, but the settlement ended a legal battle that had drawn national attention. Folau also played for Catalans Dragons in the Super League during 2022, a move that kept him in the sport while the Tonga rugby league pathway was being sorted.
Folau’s return to Tonga rugby league in 2024 is the most recent career milestone, but it depends on ongoing regulatory approvals. His 2022 union return for Tonga already proved he could still compete at an international level.
What should readers know first about Israel Folau?
Who is Israel Folau?
- Born 3 April 1989 in Minto, New South Wales, to Tongan parents (Wikipedia biography).
- He is one of the few athletes to play professional rugby league, Australian rules football, and rugby union. His NRL debut came in 2007 for the Melbourne Storm.
- He switched to AFL in 2011, playing 13 games for the Greater Western Sydney Giants, before returning to the NRL with the Brisbane Broncos in 2013.
- In 2015, he moved to rugby union, debuting for the Wallabies and later earning 33 caps while scoring 37 tries.
What are the key controversies?
- In April 2019, Folau posted on Instagram: “Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The post was widely condemned as homophobic.
- Rugby Australia issued a breach notice, and a three-day code-of-conduct hearing found him guilty of a high-level breach. His contract was terminated on 17 May 2019 (Sky Sports timeline).
- Folau then filed an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission, arguing his religious freedom was violated. The case was settled in 2020 for an undisclosed amount.
The catch: Folau’s athletic achievements are undisputed, but the 2019 controversy irrevocably altered his career trajectory in Australia.
Which official sources confirm key claims about Israel Folau?
Several official and editorial sources underpin the key facts. Wikipedia provides a comprehensive biography with verified career statistics and a timeline (Wikipedia biography). The Sport Resolutions website published an announcement regarding Folau’s planned rugby league return with Tonga, noting that approval was still pending (Sport Resolutions notice).
Rugby Australia’s public statements on the sacking were reported by multiple outlets, including ESPN and Sky Sports, which cited the governing body’s official announcement. Court documents from the Fair Work Commission are not publicly available, but the settlement was confirmed by both parties.
For Folau’s 2022 return to Tonga union, ABC News, The Guardian, and SBS News all reported on the same day – 27 May 2022 – that he was named in the squad (SBS News report).
The implication: the source base for Folau’s career is a mix of tier-2 editorial outlets and governing-body statements, with no tier-1 government or academic sources in the top results.
What is still unclear or unverified about Israel Folau?
Despite the public record, key gaps remain. The exact financial terms of the 2020 settlement with Rugby Australia have never been disclosed. The duration of any contract Folau may have signed with Tonga for his 2024 rugby league return is also unknown.
It is not clear whether Folau has ever retracted or apologized for his 2019 Instagram post. While he has continued to express his religious views, no official statement of regret has been made. Furthermore, details of his ongoing involvement with the ministry “The Called Out Ones” – which he co-founded – are not publicly documented.
The lack of transparency around settlement terms and future contract lengths means that any claims about Folau’s financial status or long-term playing plans remain speculative until official sources confirm them.
What are the most common user questions on Israel Folau?
Is Israel Folau still playing rugby?
Yes. In 2024, he announced a return to rugby league for Tonga, though the New Zealand Herald reported that approval from the Rugby League International Federation was still pending. He also played for Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan in 2024, scoring a try after a nine-month injury layoff, as reported by NITV (NITV report).
What did Israel Folau post that got him sacked?
On 10 April 2019, Folau posted an image on Instagram with text that included “Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The post also listed other groups he said would not inherit the kingdom. Rugby Australia deemed the post a breach of its code of conduct, leading to the termination of his contract.
Why did Israel Folau sue Rugby Australia?
Folau claimed unfair dismissal, arguing that his contract was terminated because of his religious beliefs, which he said were protected under Australian law. He filed a claim with the Fair Work Commission. The case was settled in 2020, with both parties agreeing to a confidential settlement.
The pattern: the most-asked questions all trace back to the same 2019 rupture and its unresolved aftermath.
Timeline signal
- – Born in Minto, NSW
- – NRL debut for Melbourne Storm
- – Switched to Australian rules football, played for Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL)
- – Returned to NRL with Brisbane Broncos
- – Switched to rugby union, signed with Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs; Wallabies debut
- – Sacked by Rugby Australia after controversial Instagram post; code-of-conduct breach upheld
- – Settled unfair dismissal claim against Rugby Australia (terms confidential)
- – Signed with Catalans Dragons in Super League rugby league
- – Announced return to international rugby league for Tonga
Confirmed facts
- Sacking by Rugby Australia in 2019 for high-level code-of-conduct breach (ESPN report)
- Settlement of legal claim in 2020
- Return to rugby league with Tonga in 2024 (New Zealand Herald)
- Played for Catalans Dragons in 2022
- Religious posts on social media
What’s unclear
- Exact settlement amount with Rugby Australia
- Duration of contract with Tonga
- Whether Folau has ever retracted or apologized for his statements
- Details of ongoing involvement with ministry ‘The Called Out Ones’
Editor’s note
“The panel found that Mr Folau’s conduct constituted a high-level breach of the Code of Conduct.”
Rugby Australia statement, 17 May 2019 (via Sky Sports timeline)
“Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Israel Folau, Instagram post, April 2019
“Folau will return to the international rugby league stage for Tonga later this year.”
Sport Resolutions announcement, 2024 (Sport Resolutions notice)
“Excited to announce my return to rugby with Tonga.”
Israel Folau, Instagram, 2024 (via New Zealand Herald)
For Folau, the consequence of his 2019 post was a career rupture that took years to repair. His return to Tonga in 2024 marks a new chapter, but regulatory hurdles and unanswered questions about the settlement mean the full story is still unfolding. For Australian rugby fans watching from afar, the choice is clear: either accept his return as a legitimate second chance, or continue to debate the balance between free speech and inclusion.
Frequently asked questions
How many tries did Israel Folau score for the Wallabies?
Israel Folau scored 37 tries in 33 test matches for the Wallabies between 2015 and 2019.
What is Israel Folau’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly confirmed. The 2020 settlement with Rugby Australia was confidential, and his playing contracts are not fully disclosed.
Did Israel Folau apologize for his comments?
There is no verified public apology from Folau regarding his 2019 Instagram post. He has continued to express his religious views.
What is Israel Folau’s religion?
Folau is a devout Christian. He has described his beliefs as conservative and has co-founded a ministry called The Called Out Ones.
Who is Israel Folau’s wife?
He is married to Maria Tutaia, a New Zealand netball player.
What teams has Israel Folau played for in rugby union?
He played for the NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby) and the Wallabies (national team). In 2022 he also played for Tonga in union.
Is Israel Folau in the Rugby Australia Hall of Fame?
No. His contract termination and the controversy have made such recognition unlikely.
What does Israel Folau do now?
As of 2025, he is preparing to play rugby league for Tonga and is active in his Christian ministry. He also plays for Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan.
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Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Monitorly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.