No rugby league ‘red carpet’ for Folau

The Australian rugby league will not consider accommodating Israel Folau after his contract with Rugby Australia was terminated over controversial social media posts.

Earlier this week, Folau opted against appealing Rugby Australia’s decision to officially terminate his contract after he was found to have committed a high-level code of conduct breach.

There was some speculation that Folau may instead find a home in rugby league, where he started his multi-code career several years ago.

However, this notion was dismissed by Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie.

‘We’ve got an inclusiveness test,’ Beattie told The Australian. ‘Besides, the guy walked out on rugby league and went to Aussie rules and then to rugby union. Why the hell would we roll out the red carpet?’

Beattie reiterated that there wasn’t any way an NRL club could get Folau in through the back door.

‘It wouldn’t go down at all because we have to register players. He is not registered to play rugby league, and if he’s not registered, no club could pick him up.’

Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images

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