SA Rugby magazine

South African rugby news, interviews, videos and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, Cheetahs and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • Vodacom URC
  • Videos
  • Cars
    • Cheap cars for sale
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals
  • SASoccermag
You are here: Home ∼ Folau in line for Rugby League run with Tonga

Folau in line for Rugby League run with Tonga

Israel Folau Israel Folau of Catalans Dragons scores his team's second try during the Betfred Super League match between Catalans Dragons and Castleford Tigers
Published on April 11, 2020

Israel Folau could make a stunning return to the Test arena after it was revealed he is in contention for selection for Tonga’s rugby league side.

The cross-code star had only just returned to rugby league via Catalans Dragons in the European Super League after he was booted from rugby union following his controversial social media posts.

Following much speculation that Folau might represent Tonga at next year’s Rugby League World Cup, Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has admitted he has spoken with the former Wallaby about the possibility.

‘If he’s playing well enough, our job is to pick the best team to represent Tonga. If he puts himself into a position where he is playing better than people who have been there in the past, we certainly need to consider it,’ Woolf said.

‘Our first thoughts are we have to be loyal to the blokes who have done such a tremendous job over the past couple of years. Unless they no longer deserve to be there, they will get the nod.’

Israel Folau: Raising hell

When asked if Folau would be welcomed by the Tongan players if he were to make the selection cut, Woolf said: ‘We’d cross that bridge if we come to it. At the moment he’s only back in the sport for the first time in something like 10 years. There hasn’t been anything discussed.

‘I know that all good players feel the same way – they certainly want the team to be picked from who is playing the best and who will represent Tonga the best.

‘Anyone who is going to come into the side is going to have to force their way in there because we’ve got a group of blokes who have performed over a long period of time. They certainly deserve loyalty.’

Watch: I’ve been vindicated – Folau

Photo: Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Posted in News, Test Rugby, Top headlines Tagged Israel Folau, rugby league, Test Rugby, Tonga, Wallabies

Post by SA Rugby magazine

SA Rugby magazine

← Previous Next →

Bok dark horse champing at the bit

A lack of time on the paddock for the Springbok back three...

Scrum strikes to replace dud penalty shootout

Let attacking prowess decide the outcome of a crunch tie rather than...

Reinach injury: Should Hendrikse take the gap?

With Cobus Reinach ruled out of the upcoming series against Wales, DYLAN JACK...

Fort Hare fairytale gives Border hope

Embattled Border must build on Fort Hare’s Varsity Shield triumph, writes SIMON...

Rassie auditions for England job

Rassie Erasmus has made the most calculated of public job applications to...

Boks need to make mentality adjustment

The Springboks need to lose their underdog mentality, writes SIMNIKIWE XABANISA in...

Kolbe’s worth every penny

Cheslin Kolbe’s big-money move to Toulon should be welcomed as a massive...

‘Bok gameplan, when executed correctly, is hard to match’

The opportunity to play against the All Blacks is a career highlight...

Five key areas the Boks need to dominate for first victory

SA Rugby magazine highlights five crucial areas the Boks will need to...

Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

Column: When context is needed

As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

From the mag: Foreign Favourites

As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

Bulls rookies to watch

After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

VIEW MORE
  • Nel double gives Stormers home playoff
  • Roaring finish for Lions in Newport
  • Hat-trick hero Hendricks hurdles Bulls into third
  • Slow start sinks Sharks in Belfast
Springbok utility back Frans Steyn/Stu Forster/Getty

Pierre Spies’ Perfect XV

  • Highlights: Stormers finish top two as Munster go down


COVID-19 Corona Virus
South African Resource Portal

African Insider
African Insider News

ABOUT

  • Contact us
  • Competitions
  • Videos
  • Player Features
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy Policy

TOURNAMENTS

    • Rugby Championship
    • Super Rugby
    • Currie Cup
    • Varsity Cup
    • Gold Cup
    • Schools
    • Six Nations
    • Champions Cup
    • World Cup

OPINION

  • Mallett on SuperSport
  • Cardinelli column
  • Lewis column
  • Xabanisa column
  • Borchardt column
  • Superbru

Primary Menu

  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • Vodacom URC
  • Videos
  • Cars
    • Cheap cars for sale
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Daddy’s Deals
  • SASoccermag

×