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Israel Folau stuns after securing shock rugby union return

Israel Folau (pictured) for the Wallabies at Twickenham.
Israel Folau (pictuerd) has secured his return to rugby union. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) (PA Images via Getty Images)

Exiled Wallabies fullback Israel Folau is set to return to rugby union after he signed for a Japanese Top League (JTL) team.

Folau was axed from the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies in 2019 after he was sacked for homophobic social media posts.

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He subsequently joined Catalans in January last year and extended his deal until the end of the 2021 campaign last July.

The former Wallabies and NRL star is hoping to play for the Southport Tigers, in a bid backed by billionaire businessman Clive Palmer.

But Queensland Rugby League told Folau he needed to be released from his Catalan contract before making his debut.

Folau hasn't wasted any time looking for his next move after he signed for the NTT Communications in 2022 in the JLT, according to Fox Sports.

This move secures Folau's move back to rugby union, which secured his status as one of Australia's and the game's most well-known stars.

Folau will join sacked Waratahs coach Rob Penney in 2022.

Israel Folau sought rugby union return

The publication reports Folau was in negotiations with multiple JLT clubs over the last few months.

Folau was able to sign for the Shining Arcs after Catalan officially released the star fullback from his contract last week.

The 32-year-old had informed the club he wanted to stay in Australia for what the Dragons said was "a personal family situation", and also play for small-town club Southport Tigers alongside his two brothers.

Folau was a star NRL player early in his career, then switched to rugby union after an unsuccessful stint playing Australian Rules.

He scored 37 tries in 73 rugby union Tests for the Wallabies before being dumped, then returned to league in February last year with the Dragons.

with AFP

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