Folau talks to US league club
Former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau could be following Sonny Bill Williams back to rugby league if initial talks with a New York franchise are taken further.
Folau has been in sporting limbo since he was sacked by Rugby Australia after a social media post claiming ‘‘hell awaits’’ sinners, including homosexuals.
The 30-year-old reached a confidential settlement with Rugby Australia last month with both parties apologising for their actions.
The New York club – bidding enter England’s third tier to
League One competition in 2021 – has not yet formally offered a contract to
Folau, according to Sydney’s Daily Telegraph yesterday.
The newspaper reported New York chief executive Ricky Wilby made an ‘‘introductory call’’ to Folau recently and spoke about the club’s ‘‘community ethos’’.
However, Wilby told The Daily Telegraph: ‘‘I don’t want to people to think we have automatically signed him.’’
New York hope to enter this year’s English Challenge Cup knockout competition ahead of hopefully sealing a place in League One last season, following in the footsteps of Williams’ new club, Toronto Wolfpack, who have just been promoted to the Super League top tier.
Folau began his professional sporting career in rugby league, playing for the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia from 2007 to 2010.
He then spent two years in the Australian Football League before switching to rugby union in 2013 and going on to earn 62 Wallabies caps. Australian rugby league officials have ruled out an NRL return for Folau.