Hold onto your hats, rugby fans, because 2025 is shaping up to be a year of unexpected twists and turns! Israel Folau is back in the Wallabies' orbit, but don't get too excited—it's only a temporary reunion. Before you start questioning your sanity, let us explain: the former Wallabies star is playing host this week as the Australian team trains at the facilities of his and Samu Kerevi's Japanese club, the Urayasu D-Rocks. And this is the part most people miss: Folau, now 36, represents Tonga after a highly publicized fallout with Rugby Australia in 2019 over controversial social media posts. This brief encounter marks a rare intersection of his past and present.
But here's where it gets controversial: while Folau's return is fleeting, his influence lingers, especially through Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, the rising star who recently switched to rugby. Suaalii, named Rookie of the Year at RA's awards night, credits Folau as a pivotal mentor. 'I actually met Israel when I was 14, and I really looked up to him,' Suaalii shared last year. 'He’s a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. The biggest lesson? To be a great person off the field.' This relationship raises questions: Can Folau's on-field legacy outshine his off-field controversies? And should his mentorship be celebrated or scrutinized?
As the Wallabies prepare to face Eddie Jones' Japan in Tokyo this Saturday, the focus shifts to the pitch. Fans can catch all the action, including the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, streaming live and on-demand on Stan Sport. Meanwhile, coach Joe Schmidt will announce his lineup on Thursday, setting the stage for a clash that promises both drama and skill.
But here’s the real question for you: Does Israel Folau deserve a place in rugby’s narrative today, or should his past actions keep him on the sidelines? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
