- Former Wallabies star Israel Folau confirmed he is done with professional sport after a career spanning three codes
- Folau had been linked with an NRL return, with at least one club mentioned as a potential landing spot
- Despite ending his Australia career under controversial circumstances, Folau says there is nothing he would change
Israel Folau has announced his retirement from professional sport, bringing the curtain down on a career that stretched across nearly two decades and three different codes.
Speaking to Australia's Daily Telegraph, the 37-year-old former Wallabies full-back said he would not be pursuing another professional contract. "Yeah, I'm done now. I'm not looking for any other opportunity in terms of playing at that level," he said.
Folau rules out NRL return
Speculation had placed Folau in the frame for a return to rugby league, with Wests Tigers among the clubs linked to him. Those reports have now been put to rest.
While he is still expected to take part in Australia's Nines Premier League, a nine-a-side rugby league competition, he described that involvement as being about enjoyment rather than any serious comeback.
Folau's immediate focus, he made clear, is his family. He also intends to stay connected to the game at grassroots level in rugby league.
A career defined by highs and controversy
Folau represented the Wallabies 73 times, crossing for 37 Test tries during a decorated run with the national side that included years at the Waratahs. His time in Australian rugby came to an abrupt end in 2019 when Rugby Australia terminated his contract after he posted content on social media condemning gay people on religious grounds. The matter was resolved through a confidential settlement.
Following his departure from Australian rugby, Folau continued to play professionally. He had stints with the Catalans Dragons in France, represented Tonga on the international stage, and featured for Japan's Urayasu D-Rocks. Before his union career, he had come through the ranks at Melbourne Storm in the NRL.
Despite the manner in which his tenure with Rugby Australia ended, Folau expressed no regrets about the path his career took.
For a figure who remained a polarising presence throughout his playing days, his retirement marks the close of one of Australian sport's most talked-about careers.
Source: Briefly News
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