Israel Folau: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|AustraliaAustralian dualmulti-code international rugby union and rugby league playerfootballer}}

| position = {{rlp|CE|WG}}

| pointsA = 0

|ru_points1 = 300

| ru_year2end =

| ru_appearances2 = 1420

| ru_tries2 = 1016

| ru_points2 = 5080

|ru_appearancesB = 12

| updated = 3014 July 20212023

'''Israel ‘Isileli Folau''' ({{langIPA-to|‘Isileli Folau}};<ref name="matangitonga.to">{{Cite news |url=http://matangitonga.to/2009/08/05/australian-rugby-league-star-isileli-folau-renews-his-tongan-connection |title=Australian Rugby League star, fo'Isileli Folau, renews his Tongan connection lɑʊ̯|date=5 August 2009lang}}</ref>; born 3 April 1989) is an Australiana professional [[Comparison of rugby league and rugby union|dual-code]] footballer[[Rugby football|rugby]] player who plays foras thea [[ShiningFullback Arcs(rugby Tokyo-Bay Urayasuunion)|Shining Arcsfullback]] in thefor [[Japan Rugby League One]] andclub the[[Urayasu D-Rocks]]. Born in Australia, he represents [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]]. at international level after qualifying on [[International rugby union eligibility rules|ancestry grounds]].

Controversially despite signing mid-year with rival code the AFL,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/money-talks-folau-confirms-move-to-afl-20100601-wtym.html|title=Money talks: Folau confirms move to AFL|date=June 1, 2010|publisher=[[The Age]]|access-date=August 31, 2021}}</ref> Folau was selected and played in all three Origin games in 2010. He continued to produce try-scoring form scoring 17 tries from 16 matches with the Brisbane Broncos but his rugby league career to date was cut shorter than anticipated as the Brisbane Broncos failed to make the finals series for the first time in over a decade. Folau was also overlooked to represent Australia in the Four Nations tournament and was subsequently dis-allowed by the Australian Rugby League to play for Tonga in a warm-up match against Samoa. In a further some-whatsomewhat controversial decision he was banned from being a member of the coaching staff as he had planned to run the water as a trainer for the Tongan team.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/israel-folau-barred-from-running-water-for-tonga-in-four-nations-tournament/story-e6frep5x-1225939900393 |title=Israel Folau barred from running water for Tonga in Four Nations tournament |first=Dean |last=Ritchie |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 October 2010}}</ref>

=== Catalans Dragons ===

In January 2020, Folau signed a one-year deal to play league for the [[Catalans Dragons]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/israel-folau-signs-with-super-league-club-catalans-dragons-20200128-p53vlo.html|title=Israel Folau signs with Super League club Catalans Dragons|last=Decent|first=Tom|date=28 January 2020|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> After playing just fifteen games for the Dragons, and scoring five tries, Folau was released.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/israel-folau-released-by-catalan-dragons/ |title=Israel Folau released by Catalan Dragons |last=Cameron |first=Ian |date=29 June 2021 |website= |publisher=RugbyPass }}</ref> Following his release, Folau was set to join the [[Southport Tigers]] in the [[Gold Coast Rugby League]] in a small stint before playing rugby union in the [[Japan Rugby League One]],<ref name=Tigers>{{cite news |last=Proszenko |first=Adrian |date=7 July 2021 |title=Folau to make his Southport Tigers debut this weekend |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/folau-to-make-his-southport-tigers-debut-this-weekend-20210707-p587md.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=}}</ref> however was disallowed from being registered just three days before playing by the [[Queensland Rugby League]] (QRL).<ref name=Tigers/><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=5 July 2021 |title=Israel Folau joining Japanese rugby union side after Queensland Rugby League knockback |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-05/israel-folau-joining-japanese-rugby-union-side/100268036 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=}}</ref>

*{{colorboxcolor box|#DDFCDD}} denotes [[National Rugby League]] (NRL) season champions.

*{{colorboxcolor box|#DDFCFF}} denotes played in seasons NRL finals series.

*{{colorboxcolor box|#FFDDDD}} denotes played in seasons [[Super League]] finals series.

|align=center rowspan=2|{{leagueicon|Melbourne|2320}} [[Melbourne Storm]]

|align=center rowspan=2|{{leagueicon|Brisbane|2320}} [[Brisbane Broncos]]

|align=center|{{leagueicon|Catalans|2320}} [[Catalans Dragons]]

Folau gave up on his AFL career at the end of the 2012 season, and althoughwith hislimited time playing AFLsuccess on-field. hasOff-field, beenopinions describedwere asvaried aon failure,whether hethe ispublicity alsosurrounding creditedhim withwas helpinghelpful to establishfor the Giants inand Westernthe SydneyAFL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/11/02/israel-folau-gone-but-not-for-nothing/ |title=Israel Folau: Gone but not for nothing |publisher=The Roar |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Baum |title=The coup that backfired |url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-coup-that-backfired-20121101-28mmc.html |work=Age |publisher=Fairfax |date=2 November 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 |location=Melbourne}}</ref>

In December 2012, it was announced that Folau, changing sports again, had joined Australian rugby union team the [[Sydney]]-based [[New South Wales Waratahs]] for the [[2013 Super Rugby season]], also announcing his ambition to play for the [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia national rugby team]].<ref name = waratahs-8118>{{cite press release |url=http://www.waratahs.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/8118/Default.aspx |author=Waratahs Media Unit |publisher=Waratahs |title=Israel Folau joins Waratahs |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721195834/http://www.waratahs.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/8118/Default.aspx |archive-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=folau-settles>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/code-hopping-israel-folau-settles-on-waratahs/story-e6frg7mf-1226529461808 |title=Code-hopping Israel Folau settles on Waratahs |work=Australian |publisher=News |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=5 December 2012 |last=Honeysett |first=Stuart}}</ref><ref name = folau-signs>{{cite web |author=NZN |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Folau-signs-one-year-Waratahs-deal/tabid/415/articleID/279123/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223113124/http://www.3news.co.nz/Folau-signs-one-year-Waratahs-deal/tabid/415/articleID/279123/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2013 |work=3 News |location=New Zealand |publisher=MediaWorks |title=Folau signs one year Waratahs deal |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last2=Ritchie |first2=Dean |last1=Pandaram |first1=Jamie |date=4 December 2012 |title=Israel Folau says he wants to play rugby union for Australia as he confirms signing with the NSW Waratahs |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-to-sign-with-nsw-waratahs-in-super-rugby/news-story/68661db994be7071c516c563c0eff4e0 |work=[[News.com.au]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> It was also the first season for new coach [[Michael Cheika]] (whom later coached Folau as [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] coach). [[Melbourne Rebels]] Coach [[Damien Hill]] said he was sceptical about how the Waratahs, or any Super Rugby club, could fit Folau under the salary cap.<ref name = rebels-cant>{{cite web |first=Will |last=Knight |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222214553/http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |work=3 News |location=New Zealand |publisher=MediaWorks |title=Rebels can't fathom Folau signing |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Folau's potential positive impact in rugby union has been likened by several players and coaches to that of fellow league-turned-rugby star [[Sonny Bill Williams]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/folau-can-be-next-big-thing-20130120-2d16m.html |title=Folau can be 'next big thing' |work=Canberra Times |publisher=Fairfax |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-date=27 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627233738/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/folau-can-be-next-big-thing-20130120-2d16m.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/israel-folau-can-have-similar-impact-on-rugby-as-sonny-bill-williams-daryl-gibson-says/story-e6frfkp9-1226531451074 |agency=AAP |title=Israel Folau can have similar impact on rugby as Sonny Bill Williams, Daryl Gibson says |date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/blues-coach-john-kirwan-tips-israel-folau-to-have-the-impact-of-sonny-bill-williams/story-fnbzn7td-1226573887715 |title=Izzy can follow in SBW's footsteps |date=8 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8291312/Crusaders-duo-loom-as-tough-test-for-Folau |title=Crusaders duo loom as tough test for Folau |website=Stuff|date=11 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-18/reds-approaching-folau-just-like-sbw/4525614 |title=Reds approaching Folau just like SBW |website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC News]] |date=18 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lionsrugby.com/news/10980.php#.USVl-dtXuPo |title=Lions Tour News |date=31 January 2017 }}</ref>

Speaking in early in 2013 about his Waratahs pre-season training, Folau said he was training at both [[Full back (rugby union)|fullback]] and [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]]. Folau also said he welcomed the advice and mentorship of dual international and former Waratah [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]] regarding the switch between league and union.<ref name = tuqiri-folau-mentor>{{cite web |first=Rupert |last=Guinness |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222214553/http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=3 News |title=Is Folau good enough for Wallabies? |date=8 January 2013 |access-date=9 January 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Folau scored two tries in a pre-season match against Australian conference rivals, the [[Melbourne Rebels]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-scores-two-tries-in-rugby-union-debut-for-the-nsw-waratahs/news-story/b1b74ad404df08cc3377482ba322f3eb|title=Two-try Folau is brightest Tah of all|date=2 February 2013|website=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref>

Folau's first [[Super Rugby]] appearance for [[New South Wales Waratahs|New South Wales]] was against long-time rivals [[Queensland Reds|Queensland]] in the [[2013 Super Rugby season#Round 2|second round]] (23 February 2013) of the season at [[Lang Park]], [[Brisbane]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113641&homeid=15131&awayid=15201&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |title=Reds vs. Waratahs – Match Summary |last= |first= |date=23 February 2013 |website=sarugby.co.za |publisher=[[South African Rugby Union|SA Rugby]] |access-date= |quote= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214140504/http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113641&homeid=15131&awayid=15201&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |archive-date=14 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Folau's debut [[Try (rugby)|try]] for the Waratahs came in the forty-seventh minute, and was the first Waratahs try of the match. The Waratahs lost 25–17. Folau's first home appearance with the Waratahs was in the [[2013 Super Rugby season#Round 3|third round]] against the [[Melbourne Rebels]]. Although Folau didn't score, and with the Waratahs having to fight back a ten point deficit at half-time, the Waratahs won the match 31–26.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113701&homeid=15201&awayid=15101&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |title=Match Breakdown: New South Wales Waratahs – Melbourne Rebels |last= |first= |date= |website= |publisher=South African Rugby Union |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126005917/http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113701&homeid=15201&awayid=15101&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 5 July 2021 it was reported that Folau had switched back to play rugby union for Japanese club [[Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu]] (formerly NTT Communications).<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|date=5 July 2021|access-date=30 July 2021|title=Israel Folau makes shock return to rugby union after signing deal in Japan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/05/israel-folau-makes-shock-return-to-rugby-union-after-signing-deal-in-japan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Church |first=Ben |date=5 July 2021 |title=Israel Folau makes shock rugby union return after signing for Japanese side Shining Arcs |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/05/sport/israel-folau-rugby-union-shining-arcs-return-spt-intl/index.html |work=[[CNN]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> On his return to rugby union, Folau scored a double against [[Kobelco Kobe Steelers]] in round one of the [[2022 Japan Rugby League One]] in [[Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium]]. The Shining Arcs won 23–24.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/israel-folau-scores-a-double-in-his-return-to-professional-rugby/ |title=Israel Folau scores a double in his return to professional rugby |last=Morton |first=Finn |date=8 January 2022 |website= |publisher=RugbyPass |access-date= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/sports/Damian-McKenzie-and-Israel-Folau-star-in-Japan-54rxf8/ |title=Damian McKenzie and Israel Folau star in Japan |last=Turaga |first=Semi |date=12 January 2022 |website= |publisher=Fiji Village |access-date= |quote= }}</ref>

*{{colorboxcolor box|#DDFCDD}} denotes [[List of Super Rugby champions|Super Rugby]] season champions.

*{{colorboxcolor box|#DDFCFF}} denotes played in seasons finals series.

|align=center width="35"|'''1.143571'''

|align=center width="35"|'''1.000857'''

|align=center width="35"|'''0.294'''

|align=center width="35"|'''0.733'''

|align=center width="35"|'''0.600'''

|align=center width="35"|'''0.786'''

|align=center|[[2019 Super Rugby season|2019]]{{efn|{{SeeFurther|#Legal proceedings{{!}}Folau legal proceedings}} The [[2019 Super Rugby season|2019 season]] was cut-short for Folau following his contract being terminated by [[Rugby Australia]] (RA).}}

|align=center width="35"|'''0.571'''

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|96

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|52

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|1

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|43

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|54

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|2

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''60'''

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''300'''

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''0.625'''

|align=center width="35"|14

|align=center width="35"|3

|align=center width="35"|0

|align=center width="35"|11

|align=center width="35"|21

|align=center width="35"|0

|align=center width="35"|0

|align=center width="35"|'''10'''

|align=center width="35"|'''50'''

|align=center width="35"|'''0.714'''

|align=center rowspan=2|[[Urayasu D-Rocks]]{{efn|name=D-Rocks}}

|align=center rowspan=2|{{nowrap|[[Japan Rugby League One|League One]] – [[Japan Rugby League One#Division 2|D2]]}}

|align=center colspanwidth=10 {{N/A"35"|''To be determined''}}6

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|110 116

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|55 59

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|2

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|54 56

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|50 51

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|2

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''7076'''

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''350380'''

|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''0.636655'''

! colspan=2|{{yel}}<br>{{tooltip|DiscYel.|DisciplineYellow cards}}

! rowspancolspan=2|{{yel}}<br>{{tooltip|YelDisc.|Yellow cardsDiscipline}}

In 2021 [[World Rugby]] slightly altered the international eligibility rules for players whomwho had already played for another unioncountry. The rule would allow rugby unionallowed players, such as Israel Folau, the ability to play for anothera unionsecond country if they had a "stand-down period of three years" from one union, among other requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugby.com.au/news/world-rugby-eases-eligibility-rules-as-england-and-australia-get-world-cup-boost-20211124 |title=World Rugby eases eligibility rules as England and Australia get World Cup boost |last= |first= |date=25 November 2021 |website= |publisher=rugby.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Meagher |first=Gerard |date=25 November 2021 |title=World Rugby amends rule and allows players to switch national teams |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/24/world-rugby-amends-rule-and-allows-players-to-switch-national-teams |work=The Guardian |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Given the rule change, and Folau's 'parental-link' eligibility,<ref name=PNC>{{cite news |last=Payten |first=Iain |date=20 May 2022 |title='Drawcard team': Kepu excited as Folau among several stars returning to Tonga |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/drawcard-team-kepu-excited-as-folau-among-several-stars-returning-to-tonga-20220520-p5an6z.html |work=Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=}}</ref> he would be allowed to represent [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]] from 2022 onwards.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=25 November 2021 |title=Israel Folau could join Tonga for 2023 Rugby World Cup after eligibility rules change, Australia set to host 2027 World Cup |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-25/world-rugby-eligibility-rules-allow-israel-folau-tonga-switch/100649374 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=}}</ref><ref name=Tonga>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Sam |date=6 November 2021 |title='Definitely interested': Israel Folau eyes 2023 World Cup with Tonga |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/definitely-interested-israel-folau-eyes-2023-world-cup-with-tonga/ |work=RugbyPass |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Coach [[Toutai Kefu]], keen on having Folau play for Tonga,<ref name=Tonga/> said of the decision: "We'd definitely be interested... We're not in a position to bypass players of Israel's calibre. We'd welcome him with open arms."<ref name=Tonga2>{{cite news |last=Decent |first=Tom |date=5 November 2021 |title=Israel Folau wants to play for Tonga at 2023 Rugby World Cup |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/israel-folau-wants-to-play-for-tonga-at-2023-rugby-world-cup-20211105-p596h8.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Folau also expressed his eagerness to play for [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]], in a consice quip to Kefu: 'Yeah, I'm keen to go'.<ref name=Tonga2/> The rule change would allow six or seven players to immediately represent [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]], alongside Folau.<ref name=Tonga2/>

Folau made his international debut for Tonga in the [[2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup#Round 1|first round]] (2 July 2022) of the [[2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup|2022 Pacific Nations Cup]] against hosts Fiji.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2 July 2022 |title=Israel Folau's Test rugby return short-lived in Tonga's heavy 36-0 loss to Fiji |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-02/rugby-israel-folau-injured-in-test-rugby-return-for-tonga/101203766 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> Folau was taken off after approximately a half-hour of play having obtained a hamstring injury.<ref>{{cite news |last=Decent |first=Tom |date=2 July 2022 |title=Folau's international comeback falls flat |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-s-international-comeback-falls-flat-20220702-p5ayjk.html |work=Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> Folau and Tonga were kept scoreless, losing 36–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.world.rugby/match/29984 |title=Fiji – Tonga – Pacific Nations Cup |last= |first= |date=2 July 2022 |website=world.rugby |publisher=[[World Rugby]] |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702235732/https://www.world.rugby/match/29984 |archive-date=32 July 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 October 2016, Folau announced his engagement to New Zealand [[netball]] player [[Maria Tutaia|Maria Tuta'ia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/85662892/silver-ferns-shooter-maria-tutaia-gets-engaged-to-wallabies-star-israel-folau |title=Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia gets engaged to Wallabies star Israel Folau |publisher=Fairfax Media Digital |website=stuff.co.nz |date=23 October 2016}}</ref> They were married outdoors on a private estate in [[Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales]] on 15 November 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11944880 |title=Silver fern Maria Tutaia and husband Israel Folau tie the knot |date=16 November 2017 |via=www.nzherald.co.nz|newspaper=NZ Herald }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/99154102/maria-tutaia-and-israel-folau-share-pictures-from-their-wedding |title=Maria Tutaia and Israel Folau share pictures from their wedding |website=Stuff |date=22 November 2017 |language=en|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>

On Wednesday, 10 April 2019, the Tasmanian Parliament passed amendments to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act to allow [[Transgender rights in Australia#Tasmania|gender to be changed]] on Birth Certificates by a simple statutory declaration. Later on that day on his personal [[Twitter]] account, Folau posted a screenshot of the news headline that read: "[[LGBT rights in Tasmania#Transgender rights|Tasmania]] becomes first Australian jurisdiction to make gender optional on birth certificates". Folau then tweeted: 'The devil has blinded so many people in this world. Repent and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/israel-folau-repent-optional-gender-birth-certificates/|title=Israel Folau urges to 'repent' for optional gender on birth certificates|date=13 April 2019|website=Gay Star News}}</ref><ref name ="abc">{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-11/israel-folau-set-to-be-sacked-by-rugby-australia/10993856 |title=Israel Folau to be sacked by Rugby Australia over homophobic comments |date=11 April 2019 |website=ABC News |access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref name ="cnn">{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/11/sport/israel-folau-rugby-australia-nsw-contract-terminated-homophobic-post-spt-intl/index.html |title=Australian rugby star to get dumped over homophobic social media posts |author1=Julia Hollingsworth |author2=Emily Dixon |website=CNN |date=11 April 2019 |access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref>

Some hours later, in his personal [[Instagram]] account, Folau posted a screenshot of a [[meme]], quoting [[1 Corinthians 6#Verse 9|1 Corinthians 6:9-10]] "WARNING Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators [[Christian views on Hell|HELL]] AWAITS YOU. REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES". Folau, in the same Instagram post also quoted [[Galatians 5#Works of the Flesh|Galatians 5:19-21]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davidould.net/democracy-freedom-and-the-shibboleth-of-gay-sex/|title=Democracy, Freedom and the Shibboleth of Gay Sex|date=15 May 2019}}</ref> and two verses on [[repentance]], [[Salvation in Christianity|salvation]] and [[Justification (theology)|justification]], Acts 2:38 and Acts 17:30.<ref name = "SMH Decent"/> Rugby Australia immediately denounced the post as [[Homophobia|homophobic]].<ref name= "abc"/><ref name = "cnn"/><ref name = "SMH Decent">{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-australia-set-to-sack-israel-folau-for-anti-gay-social-media-post-20190411-p51dar.html |title=Rugby Australia set to sack Israel Folau for anti-gay social media post |first=Tom |last=Decent |date=11 April 2019 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/qantas-disappointed-by-israel-folau-post-saying-hell-awaits-homosexuals/180789 |title=QANTAS 'DISAPPOINTED' BY ISRAEL FOLAU POST SAYING 'HELL AWAITS HOMOSEXUALS' |work=Sydney Star Observer |date=11 April 2019 |access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12221852 |title=Rugby: Israel Folau surfaces after making anti-gay comments |date=12 April 2019 |access-date=12 April 2019 |via=www.nzherald.co.nz|newspaper=NZ Herald }}</ref> The next day, (11 April 2019) Rugby Australia announced their intention to terminate his contract "in the absence of compelling mitigating factors", and said they had been unable to contact him.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-australia-set-to-sack-israel-folau-for-anti-gay-social-media-post-20190411-p51dar.html |title=Rugby Australia set to sack Israel Folau for anti-gay social media post |date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite webnews |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47893542 |title=Israel Folau: Rugby Australia 'intends' to sack full-back after social media post |work=BBC Sport |date=11 April 2019 |via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Folau's post and the actions of Rugby Australia divided opinion amongst players and supporters and ignited a human rights debate across Australia, with Rugby Australia arguing its "inclusiveness" policy had been breached, and others calling for tolerance of the expression of religious views.<ref>{{cite webnews |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47932231 |title=Israel Folau: Australia end player's contract over anti-gay message |work=BBC Sport |date=15 April 2019 |via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6019037/folau-slammed-over-anti-gay-comments/ |title=Folau slammed over anti-gay comments |last=Woods |first=Melissa |date=11 April 2019 |website=The Canberra Times |language=en|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-11/israel-folau-slammed-over-latest-anti-gay-comments/10991574 |title='Don't be influenced': Union stars lead criticism of Folau over anti-gay comments |date=11 April 2019 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://www.2gb.com/alan-jones-condemns-rugby-australia-over-israel-folau-sacking-heres-why/ Alan Jones condemns Rugby Australia over Israel Folau sacking… here's why]; www.2gb.com; 12/4/19</ref><ref>[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/liberal-mp-tim-wilson-concerned-by-move-to-sack-israel-folau/news-story/0207adf84a66a2312cd2e16ae3ed32a3 Liberal MP Tim Wilson 'concerned' by move to sack Israel Folau]; www.theaustralian.com.au; 17 April 2019</ref> Ahead of his disciplinary hearing, Folau expressed a determination to continue playing rugby, while still holding to his beliefs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-13 |title=Israel Folau refused to back down in hearing itas would’she would have been ‘Satan’sdoing work’'Satan's work' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/israel-folau-satans-work-disciplinary-hearing-sacked-latest-news-australia-rugby-a8911501.html |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>

Delivering a sermon at his church on Easter Sunday at the height of the controversy, he broke down while recalling the words from the Bible, Matthew 16:26,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A26&version=KJV|title=Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 16:26 - King James Version|website=Bible Gateway}}</ref> "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" <ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/this-life-we-live-in-is-pretty-hard-tearful-israel-folau-breaks-down-in-delivering-sermon-to-churchgoers/news-story/7cb0dd97ef0f4ec3b960e5a773a29017 'This life we live in is pretty hard': Tearful Israel Folau breaks down in delivering sermon to churchgoers]; www.foxsports.com.au; 3 May 2019</ref>

Folau, in a church sermon, said that the devil is behind primary school children being allowed to decide if they wanted to change gender by taking away the permission of their parents. He also said homosexuality is a sin.<ref>{{Cite webnews|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/17/israel-folau-targets-support-for-transgender-children-in-church-sermon|title=Qantas boss Alan Joyce backs Rugby Australia's handling of Israel Folau dispute|firstnewspaper=AustralianThe Guardian Associated|lastagency=Australian Associated Press|date=17 June 2019|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-launches-fresh-attack-on-gay-people-transgender-youths-20190617-p51yba.html |title=Folau launches fresh attack on gay and transgender people |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=16 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019}}</ref>

In November 2019, Folau was criticised following his preaching in regards to [[Same-sex marriage in Australia|same-sex marriage]] and [[Abortion in Australia|abortion]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/israel-folau-bushfires-drought-same-sex-marriage-sermon-sport-news-australia/998a1f56-5b49-4aac-a5d1-1762dfa1fc65 |title=Israel Folau claims bushfires and drought are God's punishment for same-sex marriage |date=18 November 2019|work=9news|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite webnews|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50455162|title=Rugby star's 'appalling' bushfire link draws anger|date=18 November 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Quoting from the [[Book of Isaiah]]<ref>{{cite webbook|url=https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ISA.24.5-6.NIV |title=Isaiah 24:5-6 |access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> he said he believes the scripture is talking to Australia, and said, "Look how rapid these [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|bushfires]], these droughts, have come in a short period of time. Do you think it's a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys."<ref name ="Folau1"/> In response, the Australian Prime Minister [[Scott Morrison]] described Folau's remarks as "appallingly insensitive".<ref name="Queerty 2019-11-18">{{cite news |url=https://www.queerty.com/homophobic-rugby-player-says-wouldnt-wildfires-gay-people-just-stopped-existing-20191118 |title=Homophobic rugby player says there wouldn't be wildfires if gay people just stopped existing |first=Graham |last=Gremore |work=[[Queerty]] |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019 |language=en-US }}</ref>

On 6 June 2019, Folau launched legal proceedings with the [[Fair Work Commission]] against Rugby Australia and the Waratahs under section 772 of the [[Fair Work Act 2009|Fair Work Act]], which makes it unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion.<ref>{{cite webnews |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Israel Folau to take Rugby Australia to Federal Court over contract termination |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-06/folau-sues-rugby-australia-for-breach-of-contract/11185064 |website=ABC News |date=6 June 2019 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Georgina |title=Folau takes fight against Rugby Australia to Fair Work Commission |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-takes-fight-against-rugby-australia-to-fair-work-commission-20190606-p51v53.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=6 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref> Folau launched a [[GoFundMe]] crowdfunding campaign in mid-June and sought to raise $3&nbsp;million to cover his legal costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-21/israel-folau-seeks-3-million-dollars-for-rugby-legal-fight/11233698 |title='I have the fight of my life on my hands': Folau seeks $3m in donations for legal case |date=21 June 2019 |website=ABC News |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/revealed-folau-seeks-3-million-from-donors-for-fight-against-rugby-australia-20190620-p51zm0.html |title=Revealed: Folau seeks $3 million from donors for fight against Rugby Australia |date=20 June 2019 |first=Tom |last=Decent |work=[[The Age]] |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> Some of his former teammates described Folau's appeal as selfish and greedy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/national/17721603.folau-accused-of-greed-over-funds-appeal-to-fight-rugby-australia/ |title=Folau accused of greed over funds appeal to fight Rugby Australia |website=Bournemouth Echo |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> Folau was also criticised for seeking crowdfunded money despite accumulating a multi-million dollar fortune.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/folau-hits-500k-in-donations-as-7m-property-empire-revealed/news-story/7d6a9d22dd33b5190d52f1efff03f7d1 |title=Israel Folau news, GoFundMe, Wallaby's property empire revealed - FOX SPORTS |date=22 June 2019 |website=www.foxsports.com.au |access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> The appeal included a statement that "there will be no obligations on Israel Folau to ... apply the funds in any particular way".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-raises-250-000-in-12-hours-but-no-guarantee-money-will-go-to-legal-costs-20190621-p51zzf.html |title=Folau raises $250,000 in 12 hours but no guarantee money will go to legal costs |first=Tom |last=Decent |date=21 June 2019 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> On 24 June 2019, GoFundMe shut down Folau's fundraising campaign, stating that it violated GoFundMe's terms of service by promoting discrimination or exclusion, and that all donations would be refunded.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cockburn |first1=Paige |title=Israel Folau's campaign shut down by GoFundMe, donors to be refunded |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-24/israel-folau-gofundme-campaign-deleted/11240354 |access-date=24 June 2019 |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=24 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Decent |first1=Tom |title=Israel Folau's GoFundMe page shut down |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/113726953/israel-folaus-gofundme-page-shut-down |access-date=24 June 2019 |website=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=24 June 2019}}</ref> In a response to the termination of Folau's GoFundMe campaign, the [[Australian Christian Lobby]] (ACL) announced on 25 June 2019 that it was donating $100,000 to Folau, was setting up an alternate donation site, and that any funds raised would only be used for his legal costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.acl.org.au/mr_nat_izzy |title=ACL Donates $100,000 to Israel Folau, Launches Alternative Fundraising Site |date=25 June 2019|access-date=25 June 2019 |author=Martyn Iles |publisher=[[Australian Christian Lobby]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Israel Folau: Australian Christian lobby hosts new fundraising effort |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/25/israel-folau-australian-christian-lobby-hosts-new-fundraising-effort |access-date=25 June 2019 |agency=[[Australian Associated Press]] |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=24 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Georgina |title=Israel Folau crowd-sourcing to relaunch with $100,000 from Australian Christian Lobby |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/113743883/israel-folau-crowdsourcing-to-relaunch-with-100000-from-australian-christian-lobby |access-date=25 June 2019 |work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=25 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Australian Christian Lobby launches second Israel Folau crowdfunding campaign with $100,000 donation |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/israel-folau-go-fund-me-campaign-australian-christian-lobby-new-website-sport-news-australia/e2f9ee1d-c145-4ded-baea-06de5b946a0e |access-date=25 June 2019 |publisher=[[Nine News]] |date=25 June 2019}}</ref> The second campaign raised over $2&nbsp;million in two days before being paused by the ACL with Folau's consent.<ref>{{cite news|title='Pause button' hit after Folau's Christian Lobby fund passes $2m mark|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/pause-button-hit-on-folau-fund-after-passing-2-million-mark-20190627-p521tg.html|date=27 June 2019|access-date=27 June 2019|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

On 19 July 2019, the Fair Work Commission issued a certificate confirming all reasonable attempts to resolve the dispute between Folau and Rugby Australia had been unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite webnews |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Israel Folau's case is heading to the courts — so what happens now? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-20/why-the-israel-folau-case-is-relevant-to-you/11282386 |website=ABC News |date=19 July 2019 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Maiden |first1=Samantha |title=Talks break down once and for all between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia |url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/19/talks-break-down-between-folau-rugby-australia/ |website=The New Daily |access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref> On 1 August 2019, Folau launched legal action in the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia]], against RA and NSW Rugby for unlawful termination on the basis of religion, breach of contract and restraint of trade.<ref name="Form 3">{{cite web |title=Isileli "Israel" Folau v Rugby Australia Limited & Anor - Form 3 - Claim under the Fair Work Act alleging unlawful termination of employment |url=http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/c1d33c54-45e6-457d-8dc1-559d85542dcb/Form+3+%E2%80%93+Claim+under+the+Fair+Work+Act+2009+alleging+unlawful+termination+of+employment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106054102/http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/c1d33c54-45e6-457d-8dc1-559d85542dcb/Form+3+%E2%80%93+Claim+under+the+Fair+Work+Act+2009+alleging+unlawful+termination+of+employment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-11-06 |website=Federal Circuit Court of Australia |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |access-date=12 August 2019 |date=31 July 2019}}</ref> Folau sought an apology, compensation, penalties and the right to play rugby union again.<ref name="ABC FCCA">{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-01/israel-folau-court-action-against-rugby-australia-waratahs/11372714 |title=Israel Folau launches court proceedings against Rugby Australia, NSW Waratahs over unfair dismissal claim |work =[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]} | author=Mark, David|date=1 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-legal-action-against-rugby-australia-and-nsw-waratahs/news-story/b2607ed167891aae7cfec8bb17f1db62 |title=Israel Folau launches legal action against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs |work =[[News Ltd]]| date=1 August 2019 }}</ref>

In November 2019, Folau increased his compensation claim against Rugby Australia to $14&nbsp;million, claiming that he could have been a Wallabies captain.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-fresh-attack-against-rugby-australia/news-story/529099e5c3e7972b7a6dbccff5fc23b4 |title=Israel Folau launches updated claim against Rugby Australia |date=27 November 2019|work=news.com|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50568029|title=Sacked rugby player Folau ups compensation demand|date=27 November 2019|work=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> This claim was viewed with bemusement and ridicule from past and present Australian rugby union players, as Folau had never held a captaincy or vice-captaincy position with any of the football teams he had been a part of.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Georgina |title=Folau's captaincy claim is a smokescreen as mediation looms |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-s-captaincy-claim-is-a-smokescreen-as-mediation-looms-20191127-p53ept.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=27 November 2019 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau's lost revenue captaincy claim bemuses Peter FitzSimons |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/117790778/israel-folaus-lost-revenue-captaincy-claim-bemuses-peter-fitzsimons |website=Stuff |date=28 November 2019 |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Reid |first1=Andrew |title=Peter Fitzsimons slams 'absolutely absurd' Israel Folau claim |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/rugby-australia-israel-folau-legal-battle-peter-fitzsimons-calls-captain-claims-absurd-001300261.html |website=Yahoo Sport Australia |date=29 November 2019 |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='No chance': Israel Folau's Wallabies captaincy claim slammed |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/rugby/israel-folau-no-chance-of-being-wallabies-captain/155f0132-2bba-4713-af0a-9832bbf9e1b7 |website=Nine's Wide World of Sports |date=December 2019 |publisher=Nine Network |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wallabies player 'burst into laughter' over Israel Folau's 'absurd' claim |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-union/wallabies-player-burst-into-laughter-over-israel-folaus-absurd-claim-c-580819 |website=7 News |date=28 November 2019 |publisher=7 Network |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref>

Folau and Rugby Australia issued a joint statement and apology on 4 December 2019 that stated no harm had been intended by either party and announced that a confidential settlement had been reached.<ref name=settlement/><ref>{{Cite webnews|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50653762|title=Sacked rugby player Folau settles anti-gay case|date=4 December 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

* [https://www.playersvoice.com.au/athletes/israel-folau Israel Folau's first-person articles]

[[Category:Australian rules footballers from QueenslandBrisbane]]