Superstar Israel Folau, released by the National Association of Rugby Australia, will play for Tonga next month with his brother John. "Israel and John Folau will return to the rugby league and play for Mate Ma'a Tonga," announced the Tonga National Rugby League on Facebook. The parents of the Australian Folau come from Tonga.
The 30-year-old, highly religious Folau, posted a picture on Instagram in April that threatens homosexuals, alcoholics, thieves, and atheists, among others: "Hell is waiting for you, repent, only Jesus can save you." After the union had then terminated its contract valid until 2022, Folau showed no remorse and let the period for an appeal elapse. His career was nearing its end.
Following his release from the Wallabies, in early August, Folau had sued the Australian Football Association and the NSW Waratahs Association for his unfair dismissal. At the same time, the 30-year-old demanded an apology, financial compensation and reinstatement.
Already in June, a four-hour mediation meeting between Folau and Rugby Australia had been fruitless. It was also about a financial compensation for lost sponsorship and marketing income in the amount of six million euros.
The judge of the Federal Court, Will Astergren, had ordered in mid-August that both parties should meet until December 13 for a mediation meeting. If no agreement can be reached, it will come from February 4 to a three- to five-day trial.