Izzy going to have a crack at Tokyo?
WALLABIES superstar Israel Folau is mulling over the idea of making himself available to represent Australia in Rugby Sevens at next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
In an exclusive interview, Folau said the chance of competing in the biggest multisports event in the world was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would be too good to resist.
“It’s definitely something that I wouldn’t shut down because the Olympics is something that’s very special,” the 29-year-old said.
“It’s a huge event that everyone in the world watches and it’s great that the game of rugby is able to be a part of it through the game of sevens.
“There’d be no doubt that I’d definitely want to put my hand up to see if that opportunity (arose).”
Whether playing rugby league or rugby union, Folau has always had the Midas touch so already possesses all the physical and tactical attributes that would ensure he was an unstoppable force in the abbreviated version of the game.
With the Australian men’s sevens team currently languishing in sixth place on the world series standings, there’s no doubt head coach Tim Walsh, who coached the
women’s team to win the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, would leap at the chance to add one of the sport’s most prolific tryscorers to his roster and give his men’s side a real shot at the biggest prize in the game.
Folau’s magnetic appeal would also generate massive publicity for the Olympic sevens tournament and thrust him into the global spotlight like never before with the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of LeBron James, Serena Williams and our own Cate Campbell.
“There’s no doubt that the experience would be unreal, you’re basically on the world stage in your chosen sport and it’s something that’s unbelievable.
“You group up watching the Olympics and to be a part of that would be something special to put next to your name.”
Folau still hasn’t discussed the possibility of making himself available and would need approval from Rugby Australia and the Waratahs to find a workable solution but he doesn’t have to rush.
With the Olympics scheduled to take place in July and August next year, he could wait until after this year’s World Cup before making a decision and still have enough time to make the transition.
IT’S A HUGE EVENT THAT EVERYONE IN THE WORLD WATCHES AND IT’S GREAT ... RUGBY IS ABLE TO BE A PART OF IT WALLABY ISRAEL FOLAU