View source for Israel Folau

{{Short description|Australian multi-code footballer}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
| name         = Israel Folau
| fullname     = ʻIsileli Folau<ref name="matangitonga.to">{{Cite news |url=http://matangitonga.to/2009/08/05/australian-rugby-league-star-isileli-folau-renews-his-tongan-connection |title=Australian Rugby League star, 'Isileli Folau, renews his Tongan connection |date=5 August 2009}}</ref>
| image        = Israel Folau aux Dragons Catalans - 2020 (cropped).jpg 
| image_size   =
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1989|04|03|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = [[Minto, New South Wales]], Australia
| height       = {{convert|1.94|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau |url=http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/TheTeam/WallabiesProfilePage.aspx?pid=16 |website=rugby.com.au |publisher=Australian Rugby Union |access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau |url=http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/Team/SuperRugbySquad/PlayerDetail.aspx?pid=121 |website=waratahs.com.au |publisher=NSW Waratahs |access-date=14 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915131237/http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/Team/SuperRugbySquad/PlayerDetail.aspx?pid=121 |archive-date=15 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| weight       = {{convert|103|kg|lb stlb|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/TheTeam/WallabiesProfiles/ProfilePage/tabid/1513/playerid/115/Default.aspx|website=www.rugby.com.au|url-status=dead|title=Wallabies Player Profile|access-date=25 November 2013|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210656/http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/TheTeam/WallabiesProfiles/ProfilePage/tabid/1513/playerid/115/Default.aspx}}</ref> 
| position     = {{rlp|CE|WG}}

| club1        = [[Melbourne Storm]]
| year1start   = 2007
| year1end     = 08
| appearances1 = 52
| tries1       = 36
| goals1       = 5
| fieldgoals1  = 0
| points1      = 154

| club2        = [[Brisbane Broncos]]
| year2start   = 2009
| year2end     = 10
| appearances2 = 39
| tries2       = 37
| goals2       = 0
| fieldgoals2  = 0
| points2      = 148

| club3        = [[Catalans Dragons]]
| year3start   = 2020
| year3end     = 
| appearances3 = 15
| tries3       = 5
| goals3       = 0
| fieldgoals3  = 0
| points3      = 20

| teamA        = [[All Stars Match|NRL All Stars]]
| yearAstart   = 2010
| yearAend     =  
| appearancesA = 1
| triesA       = 0
| goalsA       = 0
| fieldgoalsA  = 0
| pointsA      = 0

| teamB        = [[Queensland state rugby league team|Queensland]]
| yearBstart   = 2008
| yearBend     = 10
| appearancesB = 5
| triesB       = 5
| goalsB       = 0
| fieldgoalsB  = 0
| pointsB      = 20

| teamC        = [[Australian rugby league team|Australia]]
| yearCstart   = 2007
| yearCend     = 09
| appearancesC = 8
| triesC       = 6
| goalsC       = 0
| fieldgoalsC  = 0
| pointsC      = 24

| afl_position     = Utility
| afl_club1        = {{AFL GWS}}
| afl_year1start   = 2011
| afl_year1end     = 2012
| afl_appearances1 = 13
| afl_goals1       = 2

|ru_position    = [[Fullback (rugby union)|Fullback]], [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]], [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]]
|ru_club1       = {{nowrap|[[New South Wales Waratahs]]}}
|ru_year1start  = 2013
|ru_year1end    = 2019
|ru_appearances1= 96
|ru_tries1      = 60
|ru_goals1      = 0
|ru_fieldgoals1 = 0
|ru_points1     = 300

| ru_club2        = {{nowrap|[[Urayasu D-Rocks]]{{efn|name=D-Rocks|When Folau joined the team, they had the name ''Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu.''}}}}
| ru_year2start   = 2021–
| ru_year2end     =
| ru_appearances2 = 20
| ru_tries2       = 16
| ru_goals2       = 0
| ru_fieldgoals2  = 0
| ru_points2      = 80

|ru_teamA        = [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]
|ru_yearAstart   = 2013
|ru_yearAend     = 2019
|ru_appearancesA = 73
|ru_triesA       = [[List of international rugby union tries by Israel Folau|37]]
|ru_goalsA       = 0
|ru_fieldgoalsA  = 0
|ru_pointsA      = 185

|ru_teamB        = [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]]
|ru_yearBstart   = 2022–
|ru_yearBend     = 
|ru_appearancesB = 2
|ru_triesB       = [[List of international rugby union tries by Israel Folau|0]]
|ru_goalsB       = 0
|ru_fieldgoalsB  = 0
|ru_pointsB      = 0
|source          =<ref>[https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/israel-folau/ loverugbyleague]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/israel-folau/summary.html |title=Israel Folau - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project |website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref><ref name="AFL Stats">{{cite web |url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/I/Israel_Folau.html |title=AFL Tables - Israel Folau - Stats - Statistics |website=afltables.com}}</ref>
| updated        = 14 July 2023
| module       = {{infobox person
| embed        = yes
| father       = 
| mother       = 
| spouse       = 
| education    = 
| alma_mater   = 
| relatives    = [[John Folau]] (brother)
}}
}}

'''Israel ‘Isileli Folau''' ({{IPA|to|fo'lɑʊ̯|lang}}; born 3 April 1989) is a professional [[Comparison of rugby league and rugby union|dual-code]] [[Rugby football|rugby]] player who plays as a [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]] for [[Japan Rugby League One]] club [[Urayasu D-Rocks]]. Born in Australia, he represents [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]] at international level after qualifying on [[International rugby union eligibility rules|ancestry grounds]].

Folau began his professional career playing rugby league. Representing the [[Melbourne Storm]] in the [[National Rugby League]] (NRL) from 2007 to 2008, where he broke the record for most tries in a debut year. He then played with the [[Brisbane Broncos]] from 2009 to 2010. Playing as a {{rlp|wg}} or {{rlp|ce}}, Folau represented [[Queensland rugby league team|Queensland]] in the [[State of Origin (rugby league)|State of Origin]] and [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]], becoming the youngest player to play for both teams. In 2020, Folau played for the French rugby league team the [[Catalans Dragons]] in the [[Super League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-29/israel-folau-signs-with-catalan-dragons/11908406|title=Folau back in the game thanks to French rugby league team — but he's on notice|last=Whalan|first=Roscoe|date=29 January 2020|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref>

In 2011, Folau joined the [[Greater Western Sydney Giants]] in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) and played for two seasons. In December 2012, Folau announced he was to switch codes again, this time for rugby union, and signed a one-year contract with the Waratahs.<ref name = waratahs-8118/> He would later become the record holder for the most tries scored in [[Super Rugby]] history post the 2019 season.<ref>[https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2019/0406/1041066-israel-folau-breaks-super-rugby-try-scoring-record/ Israel Folau breaks Super Rugby try-scoring record] www.rte.ie, 6 April 2019</ref> At international level, he made his debut for Australia in 2013 against the [[British & Irish Lions]], and went on to earn 73 caps. In 2022, Folau switched allegiance in order to represent Tonga after [[World Rugby]] announced its new eligibility laws.

Folau's statements about [[homosexuality]] brought him into conflict with the administrators of [[Rugby Australia]], and in 2019 they terminated his contract. Alleging that Rugby Australia terminated his employment on the basis of religion, Folau commenced proceedings in the [[Fair Work Commission]] but was unable to reach a settlement with Rugby Australia.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Israel Folau's case is heading to the courts — so what happens now? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-20/why-the-israel-folau-case-is-relevant-to-you/11282386 |website=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Maiden |first1=Samantha |title=Talks break down once and for all between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia |url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/19/talks-break-down-between-folau-rugby-australia/ |website=The New Daily |access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref> He subsequently commenced proceedings in the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia]]<ref name="ABC FCCA" /><ref name="Form 3" /> and a confidential settlement between the two parties was released on 4 December 2019.<ref name=settlement>{{Cite web|url=https://australia.rugby:443/news/2019/12/04/if-joint-statement-dec|title=Joint statement by Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and Israel Folau|website=australia.rugby|date=4 December 2019 |language=en|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref>

==Early life==
Folau was born in [[Minto, New South Wales|Minto]], New South Wales, to [[Tongan people|Tongan]] parents, Eni and Amelia. He attended [[Lurnea Public School]] and [[Westfields Sports High School]] before his family moved to [[Brisbane]], Queensland, in 2004,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://westfieldsports.nsw.edu.au/SPORTS/rl-68.html|title=Westfields Sports High School, Australia's First Sports High School<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=13 March 2008|archive-date=23 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723012903/http://www.westfieldsports.nsw.edu.au/SPORTS/rl-68.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> after his father obtained work there.<ref name="auto4">{{cite web |last1=Elliott |first1=Tim |title=Israel Folau: the game plan |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/israel-folau-the-game-plan-20150821-gj4ksy.html |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=10 June 2019|date=4 September 2015 }}</ref> In Brisbane, Folau attended [[Marsden State High School]] from where he was selected for the Queensland Schoolboys squad in the Australian Under-15 Championships and also represented the [[Australia national schoolboys rugby league team|Australian Schoolboys team]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=SportingPulse Homepage for Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League |url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2130-0-0-0&sID=26424 |access-date=10 October 2008 |publisher=SportingPulse |archive-date=31 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131030043/http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=7-2130-0-0-0&sID=26424 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Folau also played several seasons of junior rugby league at the Goodna Eagles in [[Goodna, Queensland|Goodna]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.qt.com.au/news/goodna-israel-folau-still-maroon-state-of-origin/858682/|title=Goodna wishes Izzy was a Maroon|website=Queensland Times}}</ref>

At the Australian championships, Folau was spotted by a [[Melbourne Storm]] scout and was invited to play his junior football with the Storm's feeder club at the time, [[Queensland Cup]] team, the [[Norths Devils]]. He won a premiership while playing with Norths and became the first player to represent Queensland Under-19's while still only 16 years old. From playing with the Queensland Schoolboys and the Devils, in 2006, while in year 12 at [[Marsden State High School]] where his classmates were [[Chris Sandow]] and [[Antonio Winterstein]],<ref>[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/school-days-to-class-acts/story-e6frfgbo-1225702277172 School days to class acts] By Matt Marshall (''Daily Telegraph'' 23 April 2009)</ref> Folau was selected to play in the Australian Schoolboys squad that toured Wales, England and France. Folau was strong, representing Australia and at the end of the tour was awarded the Australian Secondary School Rugby Leagues (ASSRL) Award for the best back of the tournament. Playing years above his age gave Melbourne the confidence to give Folau an opportunity in the NRL.

==Rugby league career==
[[File:Izzy Folau.JPG|left|thumb|Israel Folau leaving the field following the pre-match warm-up, 15 August 2008]]

===Melbourne Storm===
[[File:IsraelFolau.jpg|thumb|Israel Folau in 2008]]

====2007====
Folau was just 17 years of age when he made his debut in the [[2007 NRL season]]. His debut came earlier than his coach [[Craig Bellamy (rugby league)|Craig Bellamy]] intended, and he was named as a replacement on the {{rlp|rw}} for injured [[Steve Turner (rugby league)|Steve Turner]]. He started in the side's first match of the 2007 NRL season, against the [[Wests Tigers]], and became the youngest player ever to play for the Storm.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=club-records |title=Club Records - Official Site of Melbourne Storm- News, video, fixture, tickets, membership<!-- Bot generated title --> |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018060055/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.aspx?s=club-records |archive-date=18 October 2011 }}</ref> In his first game, he scored the match-winning try to help Melbourne beat the Tigers 18–16. After such a solid performance in his opening game, and an injury-free year, Folau went on to play in every match of the season, the only player to do so for Melbourne in 2007. Playing superbly on the wing, coach Craig Bellamy brought Folau in to play in the {{rlp|ce}}s from time to time, where he would receive more ball and have more opportunity to score points. After 26 rounds Folau finished the regular season with 21 tries and 5 goals for a total of 94 career points. His try tally (21) saw him the equal top-try scorer for the 2007 regular season alongside [[North Queensland Cowboys]] full-back [[Matt Bowen]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.asp?sec=2&ssec=2&pid=96&prid=1&yr=2007 |title=Melbourne Storm Player Profile: Israel Folau |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314070704/http://www.melbournestorm.com.au/default.asp?sec=2&ssec=2&pid=96&prid=1&yr=2007 |archive-date=14 March 2007 }}</ref>

In his rookie year Folau broke a number of club and NRL records, the most prestigious being teammate [[Billy Slater]]'s previous NRL record of most tries in a debut season (Slater scored 19 in 2003). Folau capped off a magnificent first season in the NRL by winning the 2007 [[Dally M]] ''Rookie of the Year'' Award and being a part of the successful [[National Rugby League season 2007#Grand final|2007 Melbourne Storm premiership side]], that only lost three matches all year. This premiership was later taken away due to mass salary cap breaches.

Following an ankle injury to [[Brisbane Broncos]] centre [[Justin Hodges]], Folau replaced him in the [[Australia national rugby league team|Australian test side]] to play [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] on 14 October 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ross |first=Livermore |title=Australian Rugby Football League Annual Report 2007 |page=9 |publisher=Australian Rugby League Limited |year=2007 |url=https://secure.ausport.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/297493/Australian_Rugby_League_Annual_Report_2007.pdf |access-date=15 July 2009}}</ref> On his international debut, Folau became the youngest ever player to represent Australia at 18 years and 194 days old, passing the previous record set by [[Brad Fittler]] (18 years and 247 days) in 1990. Folau then went on to score two tries in Australia's record-breaking 58–0 victory over New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news |title=NRL Latest News & Updates - Rugby League |last=Analysis |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] }}</ref>

====2008====
In 2008, after Melbourne and New South Wales representative [[Matt King (rugby player)|Matt King]] announced he would be leaving the Storm to play with the [[Warrington Wolves]] in the [[Super League]], Folau filled the void as the starting centre for Melbourne. After seven rounds of the 2008 season, Folau was named on the wing in the starting squad to represent Australia for the second time in the Centenary Australia vs. New Zealand test, contributing a try in the 28–12 win for the Kangaroos. Folau was then selected in the starting squad as a winger in the [[Queensland State of Origin Team]] for game I of the [[2008 Rugby League State of Origin series|2008 Series]]. On 21 May 2008, Folau made his debut for Queensland at [[ANZ Stadium]] Sydney. In the final minutes of the match, Folau scored a try on debut, but Queensland lost 18–10 to [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]]. Folau retained his position for game II at [[Suncorp Stadium]] in Brisbane. Folau contributed one of the Maroons' four tries in the 30-point win over the Blues, levelling the series. In the final game of the series, game III, Folau scored two leaping tries and was awarded the ''Man of the Match'' in Queensland's 16–10 win over NSW.

At the conclusion of the 2008 regular season, Folau was again honoured at the prestigious Dally M Awards night, winning the [[Dally M Awards|Dally M Centre of the Year]] award. Folau had been a part of his second minor premiership in as many years with the Melbourne Storm and played in his second consecutive grand final where they lost in a rematch of last years final to the [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles]].<ref name="Grand final: As it happened">{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24449388-23214,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121204185816/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24449388-23214,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2012 |title=Grand final: As it happened |work=Fox Sports |date=5 October 2008 |access-date=5 October 2008}}</ref> Earlier in the year away from the field, on 30 March 2008, it was announced Folau had signed with the [[Brisbane Broncos]] for the 2009 NRL season. Folau's decision to leave the Melbourne Storm at the end of 2008 was influenced by his desire to live closer to his family in Brisbane, Queensland.<ref>{{cite web |work=ABC News |title=Folau to join Broncos |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/30/2202891.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401064051/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/30/2202891.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 April 2008 |date=31 March 2008 |access-date=31 March 2008}}</ref>

In October 2008, Folau was chosen to play for the [[Australia national rugby league team#Rugby League World Cup Squad|Kangaroos]] in the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]]. Folau scored two tries in Australia's successful opening match against New Zealand but would not score another try all through the series despite starting in Australia's 52&nbsp;– 4 win over England and 52&nbsp;– 0 win over Fiji. On 22 November he took part in his first World Cup Grand Final starting in the centres for Australia. Unfortunately for Folau he would not add a World Cup victory to his accolades as Australia lost 34&nbsp;– 20 to under-dogs New Zealand.

Folau received the [[Rugby League International Federation]] 2008 Rookie of the Year award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Awards |url=http://www.rlif.com/awards |work=RLIF |publisher=Rugby League International Federation |access-date=5 December 2013 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091447/http://www.rlif.com/awards |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Brisbane Broncos===
[[File:Israel Folau (26_October_2008).jpg|thumb|right|Israel Folau playing for Australia in 2008]]
Folau was a major signing for the Broncos at the same time several key players, as well as coach [[Wayne Bennett (rugby league)|Wayne Bennett]] left the club.

====2009====
Folau made his debut for the Brisbane Broncos in round one of the 2009 season, scoring the team's first try in a 19–18 win over the [[North Queensland Cowboys]]. The following week, Folau again opened the scoring in the highly anticipated clash against his former club, [[Melbourne Storm]], soaring above his former teammates to take a catch in what would be the first try in the Broncos 16–14 win&nbsp;– the club's first home win over the Storm since 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-03-20/broncos-clear-storm-clouds-over-brisbane/1626026 |title=Broncos clear Storm clouds over Brisbane |first=Daniel |last=Franklin |date=21 March 2009}}</ref> Folau continued his try-scoring feats averaging a try-a-game by Round 10. This was helped by a massive four-try haul against the [[Gold Coast Titans]] in May, equalling Brisbane Broncos [[Steve Renouf]]'s record for the most tries in a single game for the Queensland club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/NewsViews/LatestNews/NewsArticle/tabid/10874/newsId/54897/Pearl-says-Izzy-can-smash-his-records/Default.aspx|title=Pearl says Izzy can smash his records|access-date=18 May 2009|archive-date=18 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518040916/http://www.nrl.com/NewsViews/LatestNews/NewsArticle/tabid/10874/newsId/54897/Pearl-says-Izzy-can-smash-his-records/Default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

He was selected for [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] in the one-off test match against [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] on 8 May 2009.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Fox Sports Australia |title=Kangaroos selectors stick by losing World Cup team for New Zealand Test |first=Tom |last=Wald |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25422175-5016947,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121204183728/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25422175-5016947,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2012 |date=3 May 2009 |access-date=3 May 2009}}</ref>

In April 2009, he was named in the preliminary 25-man squad to represent [[Queensland state rugby league team|Queensland]] in the opening match of the [[2009 State of Origin series]],<ref>{{cite news |work=Fox Sports |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25398645-5016947,00.html |title=Queensland name preliminary State of Origin squad |access-date=28 April 2009 |date=28 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918133045/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25398645-5016947,00.html |url-status=live |archive-date=18 September 2012}}</ref> and was subsequently picked on the wing for the opening State of Origin match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25541806-5018993,00.html |title=South Sydney enforcer Michael Crocker called up for Maroons |date=26 May 2009 |access-date=28 May 2009 |publisher=Fox Sports Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920004236/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25541806-5018993,00.html |url-status=live |archive-date=20 September 2012}}</ref> He also played in Game 2, scoring a try, but missed Game 3 due to injury.

====2010====
Controversially despite signing mid-year with rival code the AFL,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/money-talks-folau-confirms-move-to-afl-20100601-wtym.html|title=Money talks: Folau confirms move to AFL|date=June 1, 2010|publisher=[[The Age]]|access-date=August 31, 2021}}</ref> Folau was selected and played in all three Origin games in 2010. He continued to produce try-scoring form scoring 17 tries from 16 matches with the Brisbane Broncos but his rugby league career to date was cut shorter than anticipated as the Brisbane Broncos failed to make the finals series for the first time in over a decade. Folau was also overlooked to represent Australia in the Four Nations tournament and was subsequently dis-allowed by the Australian Rugby League to play for Tonga in a warm-up match against Samoa. In a further somewhat controversial decision he was banned from being a member of the coaching staff as he had planned to run the water as a trainer for the Tongan team.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/israel-folau-barred-from-running-water-for-tonga-in-four-nations-tournament/story-e6frep5x-1225939900393 |title=Israel Folau barred from running water for Tonga in Four Nations tournament |first=Dean |last=Ritchie |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 October 2010}}</ref>

=== Catalans Dragons ===
In January 2020, Folau signed a one-year deal to play league for the [[Catalans Dragons]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/israel-folau-signs-with-super-league-club-catalans-dragons-20200128-p53vlo.html|title=Israel Folau signs with Super League club Catalans Dragons|last=Decent|first=Tom|date=28 January 2020|website=The Age|language=en|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> After playing just fifteen games for the Dragons, and scoring five tries, Folau was released.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/israel-folau-released-by-catalan-dragons/ |title=Israel Folau released by Catalan Dragons |last=Cameron |first=Ian |date=29 June 2021 |website= |publisher=RugbyPass }}</ref> Following his release, Folau was set to join the [[Southport Tigers]] in the [[Gold Coast Rugby League]] in a small stint before playing rugby union in the [[Japan Rugby League One]],<ref name=Tigers>{{cite news |last=Proszenko |first=Adrian |date=7 July 2021 |title=Folau to make his Southport Tigers debut this weekend |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/folau-to-make-his-southport-tigers-debut-this-weekend-20210707-p587md.html |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> however was disallowed from being registered just three days before playing by the [[Queensland Rugby League]] (QRL).<ref name=Tigers/><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=5 July 2021 |title=Israel Folau joining Japanese rugby union side after Queensland Rugby League knockback |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-05/israel-folau-joining-japanese-rugby-union-side/100268036 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=}}</ref>

===Rugby league statistics===
*{{color box|#DDFCDD}} denotes [[National Rugby League]] (NRL) season champions.
*{{color box|#DDFCFF}} denotes played in seasons NRL finals series.
*{{color box|#FFDDDD}} denotes played in seasons [[Super League]] finals series.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:96%" 
! rowspan=2 width="160"|Team
! rowspan=2 width="95"|{{tooltip|Comp.|Competition}}
! rowspan=2 width="95"|Season
! colspan=5|Matches 
! colspan=2|{{tooltip|Disc.|Discipline}}
! colspan=2|Goals
! rowspan=2|Tries
! rowspan=2|Points
! rowspan=2|{{tooltip|Try ratio|Ratio of tries scored per match played}}
|-
! {{tooltip|P|Matches played}}  
! {{tooltip|W|Matches won}}
! {{tooltip|D|Matches drawn}}
! {{tooltip|L|Matches lost}}  
! {{tooltip|%|Percentage of matches won per matches played}}
! {{tooltip|SB|Sin bins}}
! {{tooltip|SO|Send offs}}
! {{tooltip|G|Goals}}
! {{tooltip|FG|Field goals}}
|-
|align=center rowspan=2|{{leagueicon|Melbourne|20}} [[Melbourne Storm]]
|align=center rowspan=4|[[National Rugby League|NRL]]
|align=center bgcolor=#DDFCDD|[[2007 NRL season|2007]]
|align=center width="35"|27
|align=center width="35"|24 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|3 
|align=center width="35"|89
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}} 
|align=center width="35"|5
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|'''21''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''94''' 
|align=center width="45"|'''0.778'''  
|-
|align=center bgcolor=#DDFCFF|[[2008 NRL season|2008]]
|align=center width="35"|25 
|align=center width="35"|19 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|6 
|align=center width="35"|77 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}} 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}}  
|align=center width="35"|'''15''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''60''' 
|align=center width="45"|'''0.600''' 
|-
|align=center rowspan=2|{{leagueicon|Brisbane|20}} [[Brisbane Broncos]]  
|align=center bgcolor=#DDFCFF|[[2009 NRL season|2009]]
|align=center width="35"|19 
|align=center width="35"|13 
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|6 
|align=center width="35"|68 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}} 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}}  
|align=center width="35"|'''17''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''68''' 
|align=center width="45"|'''0.894''' 
|- 
|align=center|[[2010 NRL season|2010]]
|align=center width="35"|20 
|align=center width="35"|10 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|10 
|align=center width="35"|50 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}} 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}}  
|align=center width="35"|'''20''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''80''' 
|align=center width="45"|'''1.000'''  
|-
!colspan=3|NRL Total
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|91
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|66
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|25
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|73
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE colspan=2 {{N/A}} 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|5
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''73''' 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''302''' 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''0.802''' 
|-
!colspan=12|
|-
|align=center|{{leagueicon|Catalans|20}} [[Catalans Dragons]]
|align=center|[[Super League]]
|align=center bgcolor=#FFDDDD|[[Super League XXV|2020]]
|align=center width="35"|15 
|align=center width="35"|9 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|6 
|align=center width="35"|60 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}} 
|align=center width="35" colspan=2 {{N/A}}  
|align=center width="35"|'''5''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''20''' 
|align=center width="45"|'''0.333'''  
|-
!colspan=3|Total
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|106 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|75 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|31 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|71 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE colspan=2 {{N/A}}
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|5
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''78'''
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''322''' 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''0.736''' 
|-
! rowspan=2 width="160"|Team
! rowspan=2 width="95"|{{tooltip|Comp.|Competition}}
! rowspan=2 width="95"|Season 
! {{tooltip|P|Matches played}}  
! {{tooltip|W|Matches won}}
! {{tooltip|D|Matches drawn}}
! {{tooltip|L|Matches lost}}  
! {{tooltip|%|Percentage of matches won per matches played}}
! {{tooltip|SB|Sin bins}}
! {{tooltip|SO|Send offs}}
! {{tooltip|G|Goals}}
! {{tooltip|FG|Field goals}} 
! rowspan=2|Tries
! rowspan=2|Points
! rowspan=2|{{tooltip|Try ratio|Ratio of tries scored per match played}} 
|-
! colspan=5|Matches 
! colspan=2|{{tooltip|Disc.|Discipline}}
! colspan=2|Goals
|}

==Australian rules football career==
{{Infobox AFL biography
| originalteam = 
| draftpick  = 
| image = 4 Israel Folau 27 Michael Coad.png
| caption = Folau ''(left)'' in an AFL match against the [[Gold Coast Football Club]] at [[Manuka Oval]] during the [[2012 AFL season|2012 season]].
| debutdate = 24 March 2012
| debutteam = [[Greater Western Sydney Giants|Greater Western Sydney]]
| debutopponent = [[Sydney Swans|Sydney]]
| debutstadium = [[Stadium Australia|ANZ Stadium]]
| position = [[Centre half-forward]] / [[Australian rules football positions#Utility players|Utility]]
| otheroccupation = 
| currentclub = 
| guernsey = 
| years1 = 2011–2012
| club1 = [[Greater Western Sydney Giants|Greater Western Sydney]]
| games_goals1 = 13 (2)
| games_goalstotal = 13 (2)
| statsend = Round 23, 2012 
| careerhighlights = 
| source      =<ref name="AFL Stats">{{cite web |url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/I/Israel_Folau.html |title=AFL Tables - Israel Folau - Stats - Statistics |website=afltables.com}}</ref>
}}

===Greater Western Sydney===
As his contract with the Brisbane Broncos was set to expire at the end of the 2010 season Folau was linked to the [[Melbourne Rebels]] [[rugby union]] team in [[Super Rugby]] and had also been linked with a move to the [[Greater Western Sydney Giants]], an [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) team.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_3646041">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/3646041/Rugbys-Rebels-have-upper-hand-in-race-to-sign-Folau |title=Rugby's Rebels have upper hand in race to sign Folau |first1=Chris |last1=Barrett |first2=Michael |last2=Cowley |first3=Stathi |last3=Paxinos |date=1 May 2010 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax |access-date=6 October 2011}}</ref> After a three-way bidding war between rugby league, rugby union and Australian rules football, Folau signed a deal with the expansion AFL team Greater Western Sydney, estimated to be worth up to $6&nbsp;million over four years.<ref name="Devery">{{cite web |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/95411/default.aspx |title=AFL Coup:Folau joins GWS |last=Devery |first=Pat |date=1 June 2010 |access-date=1 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604193523/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/95411/default.aspx |archive-date=4 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lutton |first=Phil |title=Folau deal worth 'up to $6&nbsp;million', says Broncos |url=http://www.theage.com.au/rugby-league/brisbane-broncos/folau-deal-worth-up-to-6-million-says-broncos-20100601-ws81.html |access-date=1 June 2010 |work=Age |publisher=Fairfax |date=1 June 2010 |location=Melbourne}}</ref>

====2011 season====
Folau began his [[Australian rules football]] playing career in the [[North East Australian Football League]] playing for the Greater Western Sydney Giants. Initially playing in defence and struggling to make an impact, it wasn't until GWS coach [[Kevin Sheedy (Australian footballer)|Kevin Sheedy]] moved him into the forward line that his performances improved, including 4 goals in a game against [[Queanbeyan Football Club]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sportal.com.au/afl/news/izzy-fires-giants-win/1nz6srxkf7cle16pe8xepzmz28 |title=Izzy fires Giants win |date=22 May 2011}}</ref>

====2012 season====
Folau made his AFL debut in the Greater Western Sydney Giants first match in the competition, against the [[Sydney Swans]] in [[2012 AFL season#Round 1|Round 1, 2012]].

At the start of the season, Israel Folau was chosen to be one of 10 players announced by the AFL as that year's Multicultural Ambassadors.  The then AFL CEO [[Andrew Demetriou]] remarked, "We're genuinely excited to provide 10 players with the opportunity to become leaders in the community, promoting the benefits of inclusion and diversity."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/130574/default.aspx |title=Multicultural ambassadors named |date=13 March 2012 |publisher=[[Australian Football League]] |url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314093425/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/130574/default.aspx | archive-date=14 March 2012}}</ref>

Folau gave up on his AFL career at the end of the 2012 season, with limited success on-field. Off-field, opinions were varied on whether the publicity surrounding him was helpful for the Giants and the AFL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/11/02/israel-folau-gone-but-not-for-nothing/ |title=Israel Folau: Gone but not for nothing |publisher=The Roar |access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Baum |title=The coup that backfired |url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-coup-that-backfired-20121101-28mmc.html |work=Age |publisher=Fairfax |date=2 November 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 |location=Melbourne}}</ref>

===Australian rules football statistics===
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"  style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; border-collapse:collapse; width:72%;"
|- style="background:#C1D8FF;"
!width=3%|Season
!width=5%|Team
!width=2%|No.
!width=3%|Games
!width=3%|Disposals
!width=3%|[[Kick (football)|Kicks]]
!width=3%|[[Handball (Australian rules football)|Handballs]]
!width=3%|[[Mark (Australian football)|Marks]]
!width=3%|[[Tackle (football move)|Tackles]]
!width=3%|Hit Outs
!width=3%|[[Laws of Australian football#Scoring|Goals]]
!width=3%|[[Laws of Australian football#Scoring|Behinds]]
|- style="background:lavenderblush;"
|''[[2011 NEAFL season|2011<br />(NEAFL)]]''
|[[Greater Western Sydney Giants|GWS]]
|4
|15
|*
|*
|*
|*
|*
|*
|25
|1
|- style="background:#F5FAFF;"
|''[[2012 AFL season|2012<br />(AFL)]]''
|[[Greater Western Sydney Giants|GWS]]
|4
|13
|80
|39
|41
|22
|18
|65
|2
|8
|- style="background:#EFEFEF;"
!colspan=3|AFL Career Totals
|'''13'''
|'''80'''
|'''39'''
|'''41'''
|'''22'''
|'''18'''
|'''65'''
|'''2'''
|'''8'''
|}

==Rugby union career==
===New South Wales Waratahs===
====2013–14====
{{Main|2014 New South Wales Waratahs season|2014 Super Rugby Final}}
[[File:Israel Folau.jpg|thumb|Folau with the [[New South Wales Waratahs]]]]
[[File:Jaba Bregvadze 2019a (cropped).jpg|thumb|Folau against the [[Sunwolves]] in 2019.]]
In December 2012, it was announced that Folau, changing sports again, had joined Australian rugby union team the [[Sydney]]-based [[New South Wales Waratahs]] for the [[2013 Super Rugby season]], also announcing his ambition to play for the [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia national rugby team]].<ref name = waratahs-8118>{{cite press release |url=http://www.waratahs.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/8118/Default.aspx |author=Waratahs Media Unit |publisher=Waratahs |title=Israel Folau joins Waratahs |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721195834/http://www.waratahs.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/8118/Default.aspx |archive-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=folau-settles>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/code-hopping-israel-folau-settles-on-waratahs/story-e6frg7mf-1226529461808 |title=Code-hopping Israel Folau settles on Waratahs |work=Australian |publisher=News |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=5 December 2012 |last=Honeysett |first=Stuart}}</ref><ref name = folau-signs>{{cite web |author=NZN |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Folau-signs-one-year-Waratahs-deal/tabid/415/articleID/279123/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223113124/http://www.3news.co.nz/Folau-signs-one-year-Waratahs-deal/tabid/415/articleID/279123/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2013 |work=3 News |location=New Zealand |publisher=MediaWorks |title=Folau signs one year Waratahs deal |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last2=Ritchie |first2=Dean |last1=Pandaram |first1=Jamie |date=4 December 2012 |title=Israel Folau says he wants to play rugby union for Australia as he confirms signing with the NSW Waratahs |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-to-sign-with-nsw-waratahs-in-super-rugby/news-story/68661db994be7071c516c563c0eff4e0 |work=[[News.com.au]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> It was also the first season for new coach [[Michael Cheika]] (whom later coached Folau as [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] coach). [[Melbourne Rebels]] Coach [[Damien Hill]] said he was sceptical about how the Waratahs, or any Super Rugby club, could fit Folau under the salary cap.<ref name = rebels-cant>{{cite web |first=Will |last=Knight |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222214553/http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |work=3 News |location=New Zealand |publisher=MediaWorks |title=Rebels can't fathom Folau signing |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 }}</ref> Folau's potential positive impact in rugby union has been likened by several players and coaches to that of fellow league-turned-rugby star [[Sonny Bill Williams]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/folau-can-be-next-big-thing-20130120-2d16m.html |title=Folau can be 'next big thing' |work=Canberra Times |publisher=Fairfax |access-date=19 June 2013 |archive-date=27 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627233738/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/folau-can-be-next-big-thing-20130120-2d16m.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/israel-folau-can-have-similar-impact-on-rugby-as-sonny-bill-williams-daryl-gibson-says/story-e6frfkp9-1226531451074 |agency=AAP |title=Israel Folau can have similar impact on rugby as Sonny Bill Williams, Daryl Gibson says |date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/blues-coach-john-kirwan-tips-israel-folau-to-have-the-impact-of-sonny-bill-williams/story-fnbzn7td-1226573887715 |title=Izzy can follow in SBW's footsteps |date=8 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8291312/Crusaders-duo-loom-as-tough-test-for-Folau |title=Crusaders duo loom as tough test for Folau |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=11 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-18/reds-approaching-folau-just-like-sbw/4525614 |title=Reds approaching Folau just like SBW |website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC News]] |date=18 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lionsrugby.com/news/10980.php#.USVl-dtXuPo |title=Lions Tour News |date=31 January 2017 }}</ref>

Speaking in early in 2013 about his Waratahs pre-season training, Folau said he was training at both [[Full back (rugby union)|fullback]] and [[Wing (rugby union)|wing]]. Folau also said he welcomed the advice and mentorship of dual international and former Waratah [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]] regarding the switch between league and union.<ref name = tuqiri-folau-mentor>{{cite web |first=Rupert |last=Guinness |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222214553/http://www.3news.co.nz/Rebels-cant-fathom-Folau-signing-with-Waratahs/tabid/415/articleID/279083/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2013 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=3 News |title=Is Folau good enough for Wallabies? |date=8 January 2013 |access-date=9 January 2013 }}</ref> Folau scored two tries in a pre-season match against Australian conference rivals, the [[Melbourne Rebels]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-scores-two-tries-in-rugby-union-debut-for-the-nsw-waratahs/news-story/b1b74ad404df08cc3377482ba322f3eb|title=Two-try Folau is brightest Tah of all|date=2 February 2013|website=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref>

Folau's first [[Super Rugby]] appearance for [[New South Wales Waratahs|New South Wales]] was against long-time rivals [[Queensland Reds|Queensland]] in the [[2013 Super Rugby season#Round 2|second round]] (23 February 2013) of the season at [[Lang Park]], [[Brisbane]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113641&homeid=15131&awayid=15201&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |title=Reds vs. Waratahs – Match Summary |last= |first= |date=23 February 2013 |website=sarugby.co.za |publisher=[[South African Rugby Union|SA Rugby]] |access-date= |quote= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214140504/http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113641&homeid=15131&awayid=15201&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |archive-date=14 December 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Folau's debut [[Try (rugby)|try]] for the Waratahs came in the forty-seventh minute, and was the first Waratahs try of the match. The Waratahs lost 25–17. Folau's first home appearance with the Waratahs was in the [[2013 Super Rugby season#Round 3|third round]] against the [[Melbourne Rebels]]. Although Folau didn't score, and with the Waratahs having to fight back a ten point deficit at half-time, the Waratahs won the match 31–26.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113701&homeid=15201&awayid=15101&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |title=Match Breakdown: New South Wales Waratahs – Melbourne Rebels |last= |first= |date= |website= |publisher=South African Rugby Union |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126005917/http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113701&homeid=15201&awayid=15101&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Overall, by season's end Folau had played a total of fourteen of the sixteen matches for the New South Wales Waratahs in his debut season. In the process, Folau racked up eight tries, tied second overall for the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/tryscorers.aspx?leagueid=1491&fullview=true |title=2013 Top Try Scorers |last= |first= |date= |website= |publisher=South African Rugby Union |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221004551/http://www.sarugby.co.za/tryscorers.aspx?leagueid=1491&fullview=true |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Folau's efforts were not enough for New South Wales to finish in a finals position. The Waratahs finished third in the Australian conference, and ninth overall (out of fifteen). Furthermore, the Waratahs had a balanced record of eight wins and eight losses, accruing a positive point differential of forty-five and taking five bonus points as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.superxv.com/results/2013-super-rugby-results/ |title=2013 Super Rugby Results |last= |first= |date= |website=superxv.com |publisher= |access-date= |quote= }}</ref> A month post-season, Folau was named in the [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] squad against the [[British & Irish Lions]], whom were on their [[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia|2013 tour of Australia]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=20 June 2013 |title=2013 Lions Tour: Israel Folau named to make Wallabies debut against tourists |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-20/2013-lions-tour3a-israel-folau-named-to-make-wallabies-debut-a/4767026 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=}}</ref>

====2015–16====
In July 2015, he signed a deal to play for [[NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes]] in the Japanese [[Top League]].<ref name="2015年度 新加入選手（追加）のお知らせ">{{cite press release |url=http://docomo-rugby.jp/news/2015/0701_01.html |title=2015年度 新加入選手（追加）のお知らせ |publisher=NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=1 July 2015 |language=ja}}</ref> However, Folau did not play for the club due to injury and the relegation of the team to the Japanese second division.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Israel Folau's Japan stint in doubt after NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes relegation |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/israel-folaus-japan-stint-in-doubt-after-ntt-docomo-red-hurricanes-relegation/news-story/e148f5a7a577050ddca2725dd6537e19 |work=Fox Sports Australia |date=25 May 2016 |access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref>

Folau has been awarded the [[Rugby Australia]] [[John Eales Medal]], the ''Wallabies' Player of the Year'' recognition, a record three times, in 2014, 2015 and 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-27/unstoppable-israel-folau-wins-third-john-eales-medal/9091482 |title=Israel Folau wins third John Eales medal after brilliant season with Wallabies |work=ABC News |date=27 October 2017 |access-date=27 October 2017}}</ref>

===Japan===
====2021–22====
On 5 July 2021 it was reported that Folau had switched back to play rugby union for Japanese club [[Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu]] (formerly NTT Communications).<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=5 July 2021|access-date=30 July 2021|title=Israel Folau makes shock return to rugby union after signing deal in Japan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/05/israel-folau-makes-shock-return-to-rugby-union-after-signing-deal-in-japan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Church |first=Ben |date=5 July 2021 |title=Israel Folau makes shock rugby union return after signing for Japanese side Shining Arcs |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/05/sport/israel-folau-rugby-union-shining-arcs-return-spt-intl/index.html |work=[[CNN]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> On his return to rugby union, Folau scored a double against [[Kobelco Kobe Steelers]] in round one of the [[2022 Japan Rugby League One]] in [[Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium]]. The Shining Arcs won 23–24.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/israel-folau-scores-a-double-in-his-return-to-professional-rugby/ |title=Israel Folau scores a double in his return to professional rugby |last=Morton |first=Finn |date=8 January 2022 |website= |publisher=RugbyPass |access-date= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fijivillage.com/sports/Damian-McKenzie-and-Israel-Folau-star-in-Japan-54rxf8/ |title=Damian McKenzie and Israel Folau star in Japan |last=Turaga |first=Semi |date=12 January 2022 |website= |publisher=Fiji Village |access-date= |quote= }}</ref>

===Rugby union statistics===
{{updated|6 May 2024.}}
*{{color box|#DDFCDD}} denotes [[List of Super Rugby champions|Super Rugby]] season champions.
*{{color box|#DDFCFF}} denotes played in seasons finals series.

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:96%" 
! rowspan=2 width="160"|Team
! rowspan=2 width="95"|{{tooltip|Comp.|Competition}}
! rowspan=2 width="95"|Season
! colspan=5|Matches 
! colspan=2|{{tooltip|Disc.|Discipline}}
! rowspan=2|Tries
! rowspan=2|Points
! rowspan=2|{{tooltip|Try ratio|Ratio of tries scored per match played}}
|-
! {{tooltip|P|Matches played}}  
! {{tooltip|W|Matches won}}
! {{tooltip|D|Matches drawn}}
! {{tooltip|L|Matches lost}}  
! {{tooltip|%|Percentage of matches won per matches played}}
! {{yel}}<br>{{tooltip|Yel.|Yellow cards}}
! {{sent off}}<br>{{tooltip|Red|Red cards}}
|-
|align=center rowspan=7|[[New South Wales Waratahs]]
|align=center rowspan=7|[[Super Rugby]]
|align=center|[[2013 Super Rugby season|2013]]
|align=center width="35"|14 
|align=center width="35"|7 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|7 
|align=center width="35"|50 
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''8'''
|align=center width="35"|'''40'''
|align=center width="35"|'''.571'''
|-
|align=center bgcolor=#DDFCDD|[[2014 Super Rugby season|2014]] 
|align=center width="35"|14 
|align=center width="35"|12
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|2
|align=center width="35"|86
|align=center width="35"|1
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''12'''
|align=center width="35"|'''60'''
|align=center width="35"|'''.857'''
|-
|align=center bgcolor=#DDFCFF|[[2015 Super Rugby season|2015]] 
|align=center width="35"|17  
|align=center width="35"|11 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|6
|align=center width="35"|65 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''5''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''25''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''.294''' 
|-
|align=center|[[2016 Super Rugby season|2016]]
|align=center width="35"|15  
|align=center width="35"|8 
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|7 
|align=center width="35"|53 
|align=center width="35"|1 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''11''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''55''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''.733'''
|-
|align=center|[[2017 Super Rugby season|2017]] 
|align=center width="35"|15  
|align=center width="35"|4 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|11 
|align=center width="35"|27 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''9''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''45''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''.600'''
|-
|align=center bgcolor=#DDFCFF|[[2018 Super Rugby season|2018]]
|align=center width="35"|14  
|align=center width="35"|7 
|align=center width="35"|1 
|align=center width="35"|6 
|align=center width="35"|50 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''11''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''55''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''.786'''
|-
|align=center|[[2019 Super Rugby season|2019]]{{efn|{{Further|#Legal proceedings{{!}}Folau legal proceedings}} The [[2019 Super Rugby season|2019 season]] was cut-short for Folau following his contract being terminated by [[Rugby Australia]] (RA).}}
|align=center width="35"|7  
|align=center width="35"|3 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|4 
|align=center width="35"|43 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|0 
|align=center width="35"|'''4''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''20''' 
|align=center width="35"|'''.571'''  
|-
!colspan=3|Super Rugby Total
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|96
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|52
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|1
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|43
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|54
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|2
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''60'''
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''300'''
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''.625'''
|-
!colspan=12|
|-
|align=center|[[Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu|Shining Arcs]]
|align=center|{{nowrap|[[Japan Rugby League One|League One]] – [[Japan Rugby League One#Division 1|D1]]}}
|align=center|[[2022 Japan Rugby League One – Division 1|2022]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau – 2022 season – Japan Rugby League One |url=https://league-one.jp/en/player/368449 |date= |website=league-one.jp |publisher=[[Japan Rugby League One]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250516025002/https://league-one.jp/en/player/368449 |archive-date=16 May 2025 }}</ref>
|align=center width="35"|14
|align=center width="35"|3
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|11
|align=center width="35"|21
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|'''10'''
|align=center width="35"|'''50'''
|align=center width="35"|'''.714'''
|-
|align=center rowspan=3|[[Urayasu D-Rocks]]{{efn|name=D-Rocks}}
|align=center rowspan=2|{{nowrap|[[Japan Rugby League One|League One]] – [[Japan Rugby League One#Division 2|D2]]}}
|align=center|[[2022–23 Japan Rugby League One – Division 2|2022–23]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau – 2022–23 season – Japan Rugby League One |url=https://league-one.jp/en/player/394281 |date= |website=league-one.jp |publisher=Japan Rugby League One |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319085552/https://league-one.jp/en/player/394281 |archive-date=19 March 2025 }}</ref>
|align=center width="35"|6
|align=center width="35"|4
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|2
|align=center width="35"|67
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|'''6'''
|align=center width="35"|'''30'''
|align=center width="35"|'''1.000'''
|-
|align=center|[[2023–24 Japan Rugby League One – Division 2|2023–24]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau – 2023–24 season – Japan Rugby League One |url=https://league-one.jp/en/player/420483 |date= |website=league-one.jp |publisher=Japan Rugby League One |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250516025045/https://league-one.jp/en/player/420483 |archive-date=16 May 2025 }}</ref>
|align=center width="35"|2
|align=center width="35"|2
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|100
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|0
|align=center width="35"|'''1'''
|align=center width="35"|'''5'''
|align=center width="35"|'''.500'''
|-
|align=center|{{nowrap|[[Japan Rugby League One|League One]] – [[Japan Rugby League One#Division 1|D1]]}}
|align=center|[[2024–25 Japan Rugby League One – Division 1|2024–25]]
|align=center colspan=10 {{N/A|''To be determined.''}}
|-
!colspan=3|Total
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|118
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|61
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|2
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|56
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|52
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|2
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|0
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''77''' 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''385''' 
|align=center bgcolor=#EEFFEE|'''.653'''
|-
! rowspan=2 width="160"|Team
! rowspan=2 width="95"|{{tooltip|Comp.|Competition}}
! rowspan=2 width="95"|Season
! {{tooltip|P|Matches played}}  
! {{tooltip|W|Matches won}}
! {{tooltip|D|Matches drawn}}
! {{tooltip|L|Matches lost}}
! {{tooltip|%|Percentage of matches won per matches played}} 
! {{yel}}<br>{{tooltip|Yel.|Yellow cards}}
! {{sent off}}<br>{{tooltip|Red|Red cards}} 
! rowspan=2|Tries
! rowspan=2|Points
! rowspan=2|{{tooltip|Try ratio|Ratio of tries scored per match played}}
|-
! colspan=5|Matches
! colspan=2|{{tooltip|Disc.|Discipline}}
|}

===International rugby union===
{{Main|List of international rugby union tries by Israel Folau}}

====Australia====
Folau made his international debut for [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] against the [[British & Irish Lions]] on the [[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia]]. Folau, scoring the first try of the game in the first game of the series, scored twice on 22 June at [[Lang Park|Suncorp Stadium]], [[Brisbane]], [[Queensland]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jun/22/israel-folau-australia-lions |title=Lions Tour 2013: Israel Folau makes dramatic Test debut for Australia |first=Robert |last=Kitson |work=The Observer |date=22 June 2013}}</ref>

In the [[2013 end-of-year rugby union tests#Week 5|2013 Autumn tour]], Folau scored his tenth try of the season against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] and equalled the tally of [[Lote Tuqiri (rugby, born 1979)|Lote Tuqiri]].

Folau is the fourth highest try scoring Australian international player, behind [[Adam Ashley-Cooper]], [[Chris Latham (rugby union)|Chris Latham]] and [[David Campese]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/player/most_tries.html?id=6;type=team |title=Australia – Most Individual Tries |website=ESPNscrum |access-date=11 February 2019}}</ref>

====Tonga====
In 2021 [[World Rugby]] altered the eligibility rules for players who had already played for another country. The rule allowed players to play for a second country if they had a "stand-down period of three years", among other requirements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugby.com.au/news/world-rugby-eases-eligibility-rules-as-england-and-australia-get-world-cup-boost-20211124 |title=World Rugby eases eligibility rules as England and Australia get World Cup boost |last= |first= |date=25 November 2021 |website= |publisher=rugby.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Meagher |first=Gerard |date=25 November 2021 |title=World Rugby amends rule and allows players to switch national teams |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/nov/24/world-rugby-amends-rule-and-allows-players-to-switch-national-teams |work=[[The Guardian]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Given the rule change, and Folau's 'parental-link' eligibility,<ref name=PNC>{{cite news |last=Payten |first=Iain |date=20 May 2022 |title='Drawcard team': Kepu excited as Folau among several stars returning to Tonga |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/drawcard-team-kepu-excited-as-folau-among-several-stars-returning-to-tonga-20220520-p5an6z.html |work=Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=}}</ref> he would be allowed to represent [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]] from 2022 onwards.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=25 November 2021 |title=Israel Folau could join Tonga for 2023 Rugby World Cup after eligibility rules change, Australia set to host 2027 World Cup |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-25/world-rugby-eligibility-rules-allow-israel-folau-tonga-switch/100649374 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=}}</ref><ref name=Tonga>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Sam |date=6 November 2021 |title='Definitely interested': Israel Folau eyes 2023 World Cup with Tonga |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/definitely-interested-israel-folau-eyes-2023-world-cup-with-tonga/ |work=RugbyPass |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Coach [[Toutai Kefu]], keen on having Folau play for Tonga,<ref name=Tonga/> said of the decision: "We'd definitely be interested... We're not in a position to bypass players of Israel's calibre. We'd welcome him with open arms."<ref name=Tonga2>{{cite news |last=Decent |first=Tom |date=5 November 2021 |title=Israel Folau wants to play for Tonga at 2023 Rugby World Cup |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/israel-folau-wants-to-play-for-tonga-at-2023-rugby-world-cup-20211105-p596h8.html |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Folau also expressed his eagerness to play for [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]], in a concise quip to Kefu: 'Yeah, I'm keen to go'.<ref name=Tonga2/> The rule change would allow six or seven players to immediately represent [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]], alongside Folau.<ref name=Tonga2/>

In 2022 it was speculated that Folau would play for Tonga in the [[2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup|Pacific Nations Cup]], which would include [[Australia A national rugby union team|Australia A]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Doran |first=Christy |date=5 April 2022 |title=Exclusive: Israel Folau on cusp of international rugby return and set to face Australia |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallabies-2022-israel-folau-set-to-play-former-nation-australia-a-tonga-pacific-nations-cup-rugby-world-cup-2023/news-story/d66e0db9d7af5f94c7f4b371c47c07f4 |work=Fox Sports Australia |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Following confirmation of a four-team [[World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup|Pacific Nations Cup]] in July 2022, namely [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]], [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]], [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]] and [[Australia A national rugby union team|Australia A]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Payten |first1=Iain |last2=Robinson |first2=Georgina |last3=Decent |first3=Tom |date=5 May 2022 |title=Return of Australia 'A' team prompts eligibility jitters in Super ranks |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/return-of-australia-a-team-prompts-eligibility-jitters-in-super-ranks-20220504-p5aiev.html |work=Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=}}</ref> Tonga coach [[Toutai Kefu]] said Folau's eligibility is due to be reviewed by [[World Rugby]] and hopes to bring the former [[Australia national rugby union team|Wallaby]] in to play in the tournament.<ref name=PNC/> On 27 May 2022, it was announced that Folau, along with well-known former [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] internationals [[Charles Piutau]], [[Malakai Fekitoa]] and [[Augustine Pulu]], were selected for the Tonga squad ahead of the [[2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup|Pacific Nations Cup]] in July.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=27 May 2022 |title=Former Wallaby Israel Folau picked for Tonga as international exile ends |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/27/former-wallaby-israel-folau-picked-for-tonga-rugby-union |work=[[The Guardian]] |location= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=27 May 2022 |title=Folau, Piutau to bolster Tonga squad for Pacific Nations Cup |url=https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/33990769/israel-folau-charles-piutau-included-tonga-pacific-nations-cup-squad |work=ESPN |location= |access-date=}}</ref>

Folau made his international debut for Tonga in the [[2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup#Round 1|first round]] (2 July 2022) of the [[2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup|2022 Pacific Nations Cup]] against hosts Fiji.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2 July 2022 |title=Israel Folau's Test rugby return short-lived in Tonga's heavy 36-0 loss to Fiji |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-02/rugby-israel-folau-injured-in-test-rugby-return-for-tonga/101203766 |work=ABC News |location= |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> Folau was taken off after approximately a half-hour of play having obtained a hamstring injury.<ref>{{cite news |last=Decent |first=Tom |date=2 July 2022 |title=Folau's international comeback falls flat |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-s-international-comeback-falls-flat-20220702-p5ayjk.html |work=Sydney Morning Herald |location= |access-date=3 July 2022}}</ref> Folau and Tonga were kept scoreless, losing 36–0.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.world.rugby/match/29984 |title=Fiji – Tonga – Pacific Nations Cup |last= |first= |date=2 July 2022 |website=world.rugby |publisher=[[World Rugby]] |access-date=3 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702235732/https://www.world.rugby/match/29984 |archive-date=2 July 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sponsorships==
In 2009, Folau was offered sponsorships by [[Adidas]] and [[Powerade]] and, in 2013, by [[Goodman Fielder]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24870200-10389,00.html |title=The Courier Mail |website=The Courier Mail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/goodman_fielder_signs_israel_folau_and_nsw_waratahs |title=Goodman Fielder signs Folau, Waratahs|access-date=17 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

His sponsorship deal with [[Asics|ASICS]] was terminated in 2019 after he was found guilty of breaching Rugby Australia's player code of conduct.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48198396|title=Israel Folau loses Asics sponsorship deal after breaching code of conduct|date=8 May 2019|work=BBC Sport|access-date=29 January 2020|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-09/israel-folau-dropped-by-sponsor-asics/11095318|title=Sponsor deserts Folau over his 'hell awaits you' Instagram post|date=9 May 2019|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Israel Folau and Will Skelton present Johnson a signed Wallabies jersey 2014.jpg|thumb|right|Israel Folau with [[Dwayne Johnson]] and [[Will Skelton]] in 2014]]

Folau has  a sister and four brothers.<ref name="auto4"/> He is the older brother of [[John Folau]], who is also a rugby union player.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Garry |first1=Chris |title='Mini Izzy' John Folau is ready to carve his own path, outside brother Israel's |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/mini-izzy-john-folau-is-ready-to-carve-his-own-path-outside-brother-israels/story-fniabjcr-1226904437203?nk=0e590edeef797efcb42a8f4feb9db76e |access-date=26 October 2014 |work=couriermail.com.au |date=4 May 2014}}</ref>

"Israel Folau Street" was named in his honour in October 2010 in a suburb of [[Goodna, Queensland]], where Folau played junior rugby league.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/welcome-to-israel-folau-street-20101018-16pge.html |title=Welcome to Israel Folau street |first=Felicity |last=Caldwell |date=17 October 2010 |website=Brisbane Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thesatellite.com.au/news/folau-to-unveil-local-goodna-street/656257/|title=Folau to unveil local Goodna street- The Satellite<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qt.com.au/news/Goodna-names-street-after-Israel-Folau/661381/|title=Goodna names street after Folau|website=Queensland Times}}</ref>

On 23 October 2016, Folau announced his engagement to New Zealand [[netball]] player [[Maria Tutaia|Maria Tuta'ia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/85662892/silver-ferns-shooter-maria-tutaia-gets-engaged-to-wallabies-star-israel-folau |title=Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia gets engaged to Wallabies star Israel Folau |publisher=Fairfax Media Digital |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=23 October 2016}}</ref> They were married outdoors on a private estate in [[Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales]] on 15 November 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11944880 |title=Silver fern Maria Tutaia and husband Israel Folau tie the knot |date=16 November 2017 |via=www.nzherald.co.nz|newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/99154102/maria-tutaia-and-israel-folau-share-pictures-from-their-wedding |title=Maria Tutaia and Israel Folau share pictures from their wedding |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=22 November 2017 |language=en|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref>

==Religious views==
Folau grew up as a [[Mormon]],<ref name="auto">{{cite news |url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/storm-mates-wont-stop-israel/2007/09/18/1189881512673.html |title=Storm mates won't stop Israel if he wants to follow his faith: Geyer |first=Andrew |last=Webster |date=19 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119033145/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/storm-mates-wont-stop-israel/2007/09/18/1189881512673.html |archive-date=19 November 2007}}</ref> but moved to being an active member of the [[Assemblies of God]] Christian denomination in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/folau-content-after-ditching-mormonism-20111108-1n597.html |title=Folau content after ditching Mormonism |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=8 November 2011}}</ref> His father, Eni Folau, is a [[pastor]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gorrey |first1=Megan |title='You'll go to hell': Israel Folau's Wallabies career ended amid dad's intervention, says report |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/you-ll-go-to-hell-israel-folau-s-wallabies-career-ended-amid-dad-s-intervention-says-report-20190602-p51tlz.html |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=2 June 2019|date=2 June 2019 }}</ref> Folau has credited his relationship with God as a reason for his athletic success in the NRL, AFL and rugby union.<ref>[https://wwos.nine.com.au/rugby/wallabies-david-pocock-to-vote-yes-for-same-sex-marriage/70ca7961-424c-49a6-84e9-4cb0997749fd Wallabies David Pocock responds to Israel Folau tweet after indicating he'll vote yes for same-sex marriage]; wwos.nine.com.au; 13 September 2017</ref> In a 2017 article for ''Players Voice'', Folau wrote that he reads the [[Bible]] every day and that faith in [[Jesus Christ]] is the "cornerstone of every single thing in my life" and "I believe that it is a loving gesture to share passages from the Bible with others. I do it all the time when people ask me questions about my faith or things relating to their lives, whether that's in-person or on my social media accounts."<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |url=https://www.playersvoice.com.au/israel-folau-im-a-sinner-too/ |title='I'm a sinner too' by Israel Folau |date=16 April 2018 }}</ref> Folau is [[Nontrinitarianism|nontrinitarian]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Trueman |first1=Carl |author-link=Carl Trueman |title=Israel Folau, Unlikely Martyr |journal=[[First Things]] |date=23 April 2019 |url=https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2019/04/israel-folau-unlikely-martyr |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Tom |title=Israel Folau's problem with the Trinity |url=https://www.eternitynews.com.au/opinion/israel-folaus-problem-with-the-trinity/ |access-date=12 August 2019 |work=[[Eternity (newspaper)|Eternity]] |date=20 July 2019}}</ref> He has been described as a [[fundamentalist Christian]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau: Sacking by Australia sends clear message, says referee Nigel Owens |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48320171 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=24 June 2019 |date=18 May 2019 |quote=Folau, a fundamentalist Christian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hytner |first1=Mike |title=Israel Folau sacked over social media posts after panel rules in favour of Rugby Australia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/may/17/israel-folau-sacked-after-panel-rules-in-favour-of-rugby-australia |access-date=24 June 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 May 2019 |quote=fundamentalist Christian Folau}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Folau comments create headaches for RA, Cheika ahead of World Cup |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rugby-union-australia-folau/folau-comments-create-headaches-for-ra-cheika-ahead-of-world-cup-idUKKCN1RN09F |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411180857/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-rugby-union-australia-folau/folau-comments-create-headaches-for-ra-cheika-ahead-of-world-cup-idUKKCN1RN09F |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2019 |website=Reuters |access-date=24 June 2019 |language=en |date=11 April 2019 |quote=Folau, a fundamentalist Christian}}</ref>

===Same-sex marriage===
In 2017, the [[Turnbull government]] called a national [[Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey|postal survey]] on the question of changing Australian law to recognise same-sex marriage. In September, the ARU management declared the Wallabies in support of the change, prompting Folau to announce his personal opposition a day later on [[Twitter]], where he wrote: "I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage."<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-13/israel-folau-backs-no-vote-a-day-after-aru-supports-yes/8942766 SSM survey: Israel Folau breaks ranks with Wallabies to oppose same-sex marriage]; www.abc.net.au; 13 September 2017</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/nsw-waratahs/wallabies-star-israel-folau-tweets-his-opposition-to-samesex-marriage/news-story/e26d6983d7ec1b5027aff55dd4de2280 |title=Wallabies star Israel Folau tweets his opposition to same-sex marriage |date=13 September 2017 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=13 September 2017}}</ref> Folau later wrote in ''Players Voice'': "I didn't agree with [[Bill Pulver]] taking a stance on the same-sex marriage vote on behalf of the whole organisation, but I understand the reasons behind why he did."<ref name="auto2" />

===Homosexuality===
In March 2015, Israel Folau, playing for the New South Wales Waratahs Rugby team, told ABC radio that there was no room for homophobia in the game, amidst allegations of homophobic sledging originating from a player on his team, and denied there was homophobia in his club.<ref>{{cite news |last=Norman |first=James |date=24 March 2015 |title=Brave David Pocock should be lauded for propagating cultural change |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/mar/24/brave-david-pocock-should-be-commended |access-date=17 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Eleanor |last2=Santow |first2=Simon |date=23 March 2015 |title=Israel Folau says there's no place for homophobia in rugby |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |url=http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2015/s4202914.htm |access-date=17 June 2019 |series=[[The World Today (Australian radio program)|The World Today]]}}</ref>

Folau's religious views became a subject of controversy in April 2018, when a follower of his [[Instagram]] account asked him what God's "plan for homosexuals" was, and Folau replied: "[[Christian views on Hell|Hell]].. unless they repent of their sins and turn to God."<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.the42.ie/israel-folau-homophobic-slur-3939395-Apr2018/ |title=Israel Folau in trouble again as he says 'God's plan' for gay people is to go to 'hell' |work=The42 |access-date=4 April 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/gay-people-go-to-hell-says-australian-rugby-star-israel-folau-11317953 |title=Gay people go to 'hell', says Australian rugby star Israel Folau |work=Sky News|access-date=5 April 2018 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Folau later wrote in ''Players Voice'' "My response to the question is what I believe God's plan is for all sinners, according to my understanding of my Bible teachings, specifically [[1 Corinthians 6#Verse 9|1 Corinthians 6:9–10]]".<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2018/04/israel-folau-explains-why-he-said-gay-people-are-going-to-hell.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417062129/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2018/04/israel-folau-explains-why-he-said-gay-people-are-going-to-hell.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 April 2018 |title=Israel Folau explains why he said gay people are going to hell |date=17 April 2018 |work=[[Newshub]] |access-date=17 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The tweet led to accusations of [[homophobia]] against Folau and of religious discrimination against him by accusers. The Wallabies chief sponsor [[Qantas]] condemned Folau's comments, announcing: "We've made clear to Rugby Australia that we find the comments very disappointing."<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-10/israel-folau-is-a-strong-role-model-says-rugby-australia/9636768 Israel Folau a 'strong role model' despite saying gay people go to hell, Rugby boss Raelene Castle says] ; www.abc.net.au; 10 April 2018</ref> [[Rugby Australia]]'s CEO, Raelene Castle, said that they accepted Folau's position, though they did not agree with his views, and he would not be sanctioned by the organisation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/43793677 |title=Israel Folau: Rugby Australia will not punish full-back for anti-gay remarks |date=17 April 2018 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=17 April 2018 |language=en-GB }}</ref>

Folau wrote: "Since my social media posts were publicised, it has been suggested that I am homophobic and [[bigoted]] and that I have a problem with gay people. This could not be further from the truth. I fronted the cover of the ''[[Star Observer]]'' magazine to show my support for the [[Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament|Bingham Cup]], which is an international gay rugby competition for both men and women. I believe in inclusion. In my heart, I know I do not have any phobia towards anyone."<ref name="auto3">[https://www.playersvoice.com.au/israel-folau-im-a-sinner-too I'm a sinner too]; www.playersvoice.com.au</ref>

===Gender optional birth certificates===
On Wednesday, 10 April 2019, the Tasmanian Parliament passed amendments to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act to allow [[Transgender rights in Australia#Tasmania|gender to be changed]] on Birth Certificates by a simple statutory declaration.  Later on that day on his personal [[Twitter]] account, Folau posted a screenshot of the news headline that read: "[[LGBT rights in Tasmania#Transgender rights|Tasmania]] becomes first Australian jurisdiction to make gender optional on birth certificates". Folau then tweeted: 'The devil has blinded so many people in this world. Repent and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/israel-folau-repent-optional-gender-birth-certificates/|title=Israel Folau urges to 'repent' for optional gender on birth certificates|date=13 April 2019|website=Gay Star News|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726065840/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/israel-folau-repent-optional-gender-birth-certificates/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name ="abc">{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-11/israel-folau-set-to-be-sacked-by-rugby-australia/10993856 |title=Israel Folau to be sacked by Rugby Australia over homophobic comments |date=11 April 2019 |website=ABC News |access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref name ="cnn">{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/11/sport/israel-folau-rugby-australia-nsw-contract-terminated-homophobic-post-spt-intl/index.html |title=Australian rugby star to get dumped over homophobic social media posts |author1=Julia Hollingsworth |author2=Emily Dixon |website=[[CNN]] |date=11 April 2019 |access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref>

In response, [[Andy Brennan]], Australia's only openly gay male professional soccer player at the time, said "If I was 16 years old and reading what he said, it would have made me feel awful", and "You can't let negativity win, otherwise what [Folau] says wins."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-03/andy-brennan-openly-gay-israel-folau-awful-comments/11474590|title=Folau comments 'awful', says Australia's only openly gay male professional footballer|last=Schafter|first=Monique|date=3 September 2019|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref>

===Bible verses===
Some hours later, in his personal [[Instagram]] account, Folau posted a screenshot of a [[meme]], quoting [[1 Corinthians 6#Verse 9|1 Corinthians 6:9-10]] "WARNING Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators [[Christian views on Hell|HELL]] AWAITS YOU. REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES". Folau, in the same Instagram post also quoted [[Galatians 5#Works of the Flesh|Galatians 5:19-21]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davidould.net/democracy-freedom-and-the-shibboleth-of-gay-sex/|title=Democracy, Freedom and the Shibboleth of Gay Sex|date=15 May 2019}}</ref> and two verses on [[repentance]], [[Salvation in Christianity|salvation]] and [[Justification (theology)|justification]], Acts 2:38 and Acts 17:30.<ref name = "SMH Decent">{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-australia-set-to-sack-israel-folau-for-anti-gay-social-media-post-20190411-p51dar.html |title=Rugby Australia set to sack Israel Folau for anti-gay social media post |first=Tom |last=Decent |date=11 April 2019 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref> Rugby Australia immediately denounced the post as [[Homophobia|homophobic]].<ref name= "abc"/> The next day, (11 April 2019) Rugby Australia announced their intention to terminate his contract "in the absence of compelling mitigating factors", and said they had been unable to contact him.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-australia-set-to-sack-israel-folau-for-anti-gay-social-media-post-20190411-p51dar.html |title=Rugby Australia set to sack Israel Folau for anti-gay social media post |date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47893542 |title=Israel Folau: Rugby Australia 'intends' to sack full-back after social media post |work=BBC Sport |date=11 April 2019 }}</ref> Folau's post and the actions of Rugby Australia divided opinion amongst players and supporters and ignited a human rights debate across Australia, with Rugby Australia arguing its "inclusiveness" policy had been breached, and others calling for tolerance of the expression of religious views.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47932231 |title=Israel Folau: Australia end player's contract over anti-gay message |work=BBC Sport |date=15 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6019037/folau-slammed-over-anti-gay-comments/ |title=Folau slammed over anti-gay comments |last=Woods |first=Melissa |date=11 April 2019 |website=The Canberra Times |language=en|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-11/israel-folau-slammed-over-latest-anti-gay-comments/10991574 |title='Don't be influenced': Union stars lead criticism of Folau over anti-gay comments |date=11 April 2019 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://www.2gb.com/alan-jones-condemns-rugby-australia-over-israel-folau-sacking-heres-why/ Alan Jones condemns Rugby Australia over Israel Folau sacking… here's why]; www.2gb.com; 12/4/19</ref><ref>[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/liberal-mp-tim-wilson-concerned-by-move-to-sack-israel-folau/news-story/0207adf84a66a2312cd2e16ae3ed32a3 Liberal MP Tim Wilson 'concerned' by move to sack Israel Folau]; www.theaustralian.com.au; 17 April 2019</ref> Ahead of his disciplinary hearing, Folau expressed a determination to continue playing rugby, while still holding to his beliefs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-13 |title=Israel Folau refused to back down in hearing as he would have been doing 'Satan's work' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/israel-folau-satans-work-disciplinary-hearing-sacked-latest-news-australia-rugby-a8911501.html |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>

===Church sermons===
Delivering a sermon at his church on Easter Sunday at the height of the controversy, he broke down while recalling the words from the Bible, Matthew 16:26,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A26&version=KJV|title=Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 16:26 - King James Version|website=Bible Gateway}}</ref> "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"<ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/this-life-we-live-in-is-pretty-hard-tearful-israel-folau-breaks-down-in-delivering-sermon-to-churchgoers/news-story/7cb0dd97ef0f4ec3b960e5a773a29017 'This life we live in is pretty hard': Tearful Israel Folau breaks down in delivering sermon to churchgoers]; www.foxsports.com.au; 3 May 2019</ref>

Folau, in a church sermon, said that the devil is behind primary school children being allowed to decide if they wanted to change gender by taking away the permission of their parents. He also said homosexuality is a sin.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/17/israel-folau-targets-support-for-transgender-children-in-church-sermon|title=Qantas boss Alan Joyce backs Rugby Australia's handling of Israel Folau dispute|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |agency=Australian Associated Press|date=17 June 2019|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-launches-fresh-attack-on-gay-people-transgender-youths-20190617-p51yba.html |title=Folau launches fresh attack on gay and transgender people |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=16 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019}}</ref>

In November 2019, Folau was criticised following his preaching in regards to [[Same-sex marriage in Australia|same-sex marriage]] and [[Abortion in Australia|abortion]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/israel-folau-bushfires-drought-same-sex-marriage-sermon-sport-news-australia/998a1f56-5b49-4aac-a5d1-1762dfa1fc65  |title=Israel Folau claims bushfires and drought are God's punishment for same-sex marriage |date=18 November 2019|work=9news|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50455162|title=Rugby star's 'appalling' bushfire link draws anger|date=18 November 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>  Quoting from the [[Book of Isaiah]]<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ISA.24.5-6.NIV  |title=Isaiah 24:5-6 |access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> he said he believes the scripture is talking to Australia, and said, "Look how rapid these [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|bushfires]], these droughts, have come in a short period of time. Do you think it's a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys."<ref name ="Folau1"/> In response, the Australian Prime Minister [[Scott Morrison]] described Folau's remarks as "appallingly insensitive".<ref name="Queerty 2019-11-18">{{cite news |url=https://www.queerty.com/homophobic-rugby-player-says-wouldnt-wildfires-gay-people-just-stopped-existing-20191118 |title=Homophobic rugby player says there wouldn't be wildfires if gay people just stopped existing |first=Graham |last=Gremore |work=[[Queerty]] |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019 |language=en-US }}</ref>

==Legal proceedings==
In May 2019, a ''Code of Conduct'' hearing was undertaken, during which the CEO of Rugby Australia, [[Raelene Castle]], suggested she would have terminated Folau's contract if he had "photocopied Bible passages" and posted them to his social media.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.faithwire.com/2019/07/08/rugby-australia-says-bible-itself-is-the-problem-in-stunning-admission-about-israel-folaus-firing/|title=Rugby Australia Says Bible Itself Is the 'Problem' in Stunning Admission About Israel Folau's Firing|date=8 July 2019|website=Faithwire}}</ref>  Folau was found to have breached Rugby Australia's code of conduct,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48184011 |title=Israel Folau found guilty of breaching Rugby Australia's code of conduct |date=7 May 2019 |website=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> and later that month he lost a sponsorship deal with [[ASICS]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48198396 |title=Israel Folau loses Asics sponsorship deal after breaching code of conduct |date=8 May 2019 |website=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> On 17 May 2019, his 4-year employment contract with Rugby Australia was terminated early, ending his career with the Waratahs and the Wallabies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-set-to-be-sacked-by-rugby-australia-20190514-p51n2g.html |title=Folau 'saddened' by sacking, considering his options |first=Georgina |last=Robinson |date=17 May 2019 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=28 May 2019}}</ref>

At the May 2019 hearing, Folau said that at least 15 teammates and members of the coaching staff had either provided him with messages of support and/or urged for his return to the playing field.<ref name ="Folau1">{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-fresh-attack-against-rugby-australia/news-story/529099e5c3e7972b7a6dbccff5fc23b4  |title=Israel Folau launches updated claim against Rugby Australia|date=27 November 2019|work=news.com|access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref>

On 6 June 2019, Folau launched legal proceedings with the [[Fair Work Commission]] against Rugby Australia and the Waratahs under section 772 of the [[Fair Work Act 2009|Fair Work Act]], which makes it unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Israel Folau to take Rugby Australia to Federal Court over contract termination |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-06/folau-sues-rugby-australia-for-breach-of-contract/11185064 |website=ABC News |date=6 June 2019 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Georgina |title=Folau takes fight against Rugby Australia to Fair Work Commission |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-takes-fight-against-rugby-australia-to-fair-work-commission-20190606-p51v53.html |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=6 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref> Folau launched a [[GoFundMe]] crowdfunding campaign in mid-June and sought to raise $3&nbsp;million to cover his legal costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-21/israel-folau-seeks-3-million-dollars-for-rugby-legal-fight/11233698 |title='I have the fight of my life on my hands': Folau seeks $3m in donations for legal case |date=21 June 2019 |website=ABC News |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/revealed-folau-seeks-3-million-from-donors-for-fight-against-rugby-australia-20190620-p51zm0.html |title=Revealed: Folau seeks $3 million from donors for fight against Rugby Australia |date=20 June 2019 |first=Tom |last=Decent |work=[[The Age]] |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> Some of his former teammates described Folau's appeal as selfish and greedy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/national/17721603.folau-accused-of-greed-over-funds-appeal-to-fight-rugby-australia/ |title=Folau accused of greed over funds appeal to fight Rugby Australia |website=Bournemouth Echo |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> Folau was also criticised for seeking crowdfunded money despite accumulating a multi-million dollar fortune.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/folau-hits-500k-in-donations-as-7m-property-empire-revealed/news-story/7d6a9d22dd33b5190d52f1efff03f7d1 |title=Israel Folau news, GoFundMe, Wallaby's property empire revealed - FOX SPORTS |date=22 June 2019 |website=www.foxsports.com.au |access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> The appeal included a statement that "there will be no obligations on Israel Folau to ... apply the funds in any particular way".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-raises-250-000-in-12-hours-but-no-guarantee-money-will-go-to-legal-costs-20190621-p51zzf.html |title=Folau raises $250,000 in 12 hours but no guarantee money will go to legal costs |first=Tom |last=Decent |date=21 June 2019 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> On 24 June 2019, GoFundMe shut down Folau's fundraising campaign, stating that it violated GoFundMe's terms of service by promoting discrimination or exclusion, and that all donations would be refunded.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cockburn |first1=Paige |title=Israel Folau's campaign shut down by GoFundMe, donors to be refunded |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-24/israel-folau-gofundme-campaign-deleted/11240354 |access-date=24 June 2019 |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=24 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Decent |first1=Tom |title=Israel Folau's GoFundMe page shut down |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/113726953/israel-folaus-gofundme-page-shut-down |access-date=24 June 2019 |website=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=24 June 2019}}</ref> In a response to the termination of Folau's GoFundMe campaign, the [[Australian Christian Lobby]] (ACL) announced on 25 June 2019 that it was donating $100,000 to Folau, was setting up an alternate donation site, and that any funds raised would only be used for his legal costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.acl.org.au/mr_nat_izzy |title=ACL Donates $100,000 to Israel Folau, Launches Alternative Fundraising Site |date=25 June 2019|access-date=25 June 2019 |author=Martyn Iles |publisher=[[Australian Christian Lobby]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Israel Folau: Australian Christian lobby hosts new fundraising effort |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/25/israel-folau-australian-christian-lobby-hosts-new-fundraising-effort |access-date=25 June 2019 |agency=[[Australian Associated Press]] |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=24 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Georgina |title=Israel Folau crowd-sourcing to relaunch with $100,000 from Australian Christian Lobby |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/113743883/israel-folau-crowdsourcing-to-relaunch-with-100000-from-australian-christian-lobby |access-date=25 June 2019 |work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=25 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Australian Christian Lobby launches second Israel Folau crowdfunding campaign with $100,000 donation |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/israel-folau-go-fund-me-campaign-australian-christian-lobby-new-website-sport-news-australia/e2f9ee1d-c145-4ded-baea-06de5b946a0e |access-date=25 June 2019 |publisher=[[Nine News]] |date=25 June 2019}}</ref> The second campaign raised over $2&nbsp;million in two days before being paused by the ACL with Folau's consent.<ref>{{cite news|title='Pause button' hit after Folau's Christian Lobby fund passes $2m mark|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/pause-button-hit-on-folau-fund-after-passing-2-million-mark-20190627-p521tg.html|date=27 June 2019|access-date=27 June 2019|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

On 19 July 2019, the Fair Work Commission issued a certificate confirming all reasonable attempts to resolve the dispute between Folau and Rugby Australia had been unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=David |title=Israel Folau's case is heading to the courts — so what happens now? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-20/why-the-israel-folau-case-is-relevant-to-you/11282386 |website=ABC News |date=19 July 2019 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Maiden |first1=Samantha |title=Talks break down once and for all between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia |url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/19/talks-break-down-between-folau-rugby-australia/ |website=The New Daily |access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref> On 1 August 2019, Folau launched legal action in the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia]], against RA and NSW Rugby for unlawful termination on the basis of religion, breach of contract and restraint of trade.<ref name="Form 3">{{cite web |title=Isileli "Israel" Folau v Rugby Australia Limited & Anor - Form 3 - Claim under the Fair Work Act alleging unlawful termination of employment |url=http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/c1d33c54-45e6-457d-8dc1-559d85542dcb/Form+3+%E2%80%93+Claim+under+the+Fair+Work+Act+2009+alleging+unlawful+termination+of+employment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106054102/http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/c1d33c54-45e6-457d-8dc1-559d85542dcb/Form+3+%E2%80%93+Claim+under+the+Fair+Work+Act+2009+alleging+unlawful+termination+of+employment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-11-06 |website=Federal Circuit Court of Australia |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |access-date=12 August 2019 |date=31 July 2019}}</ref> Folau sought an apology, compensation, penalties and the right to play rugby union again.<ref name="ABC FCCA">{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-01/israel-folau-court-action-against-rugby-australia-waratahs/11372714  |title=Israel Folau launches court proceedings against Rugby Australia, NSW Waratahs over unfair dismissal claim |work =[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] | author=Mark, David|date=1 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-legal-action-against-rugby-australia-and-nsw-waratahs/news-story/b2607ed167891aae7cfec8bb17f1db62  |title=Israel Folau launches legal action against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs |work =[[News Ltd]]| date=1 August 2019 }}</ref>

In November 2019, Folau increased his compensation claim against Rugby Australia to $14&nbsp;million, claiming that he could have been a Wallabies captain.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-fresh-attack-against-rugby-australia/news-story/529099e5c3e7972b7a6dbccff5fc23b4  |title=Israel Folau launches updated claim against Rugby Australia |date=27 November 2019|work=news.com|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50568029|title=Sacked rugby player Folau ups compensation demand|date=27 November 2019|work=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> This claim was viewed with bemusement and ridicule from past and present Australian rugby union players, as Folau had never held a captaincy or vice-captaincy position with any of the football teams he had been a part of.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Georgina |title=Folau's captaincy claim is a smokescreen as mediation looms |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-s-captaincy-claim-is-a-smokescreen-as-mediation-looms-20191127-p53ept.html |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=27 November 2019 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Israel Folau's lost revenue captaincy claim bemuses Peter FitzSimons |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/117790778/israel-folaus-lost-revenue-captaincy-claim-bemuses-peter-fitzsimons |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=28 November 2019 |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Reid |first1=Andrew |title=Peter Fitzsimons slams 'absolutely absurd' Israel Folau claim |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/rugby-australia-israel-folau-legal-battle-peter-fitzsimons-calls-captain-claims-absurd-001300261.html |website=Yahoo Sport Australia |date=29 November 2019 |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='No chance': Israel Folau's Wallabies captaincy claim slammed |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/rugby/israel-folau-no-chance-of-being-wallabies-captain/155f0132-2bba-4713-af0a-9832bbf9e1b7 |website=Nine's Wide World of Sports |date=December 2019 |publisher=Nine Network |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wallabies player 'burst into laughter' over Israel Folau's 'absurd' claim |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-union/wallabies-player-burst-into-laughter-over-israel-folaus-absurd-claim-c-580819 |website=7 News |date=28 November 2019 |publisher=7 Network |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref>

Folau and Rugby Australia issued a joint statement and apology on 4 December 2019 that stated no harm had been intended by either party and announced that a confidential settlement had been reached.<ref name=settlement/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50653762|title=Sacked rugby player Folau settles anti-gay case|date=4 December 2019|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

In December 2019, the [[Anti-Discrimination Act 1977#Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW|Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW]] decided to investigate a complaint that Folau had engaged in homosexuality vilification.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/nsw-board-accepts-complaint-against-folau-20191213-p53jwj.html|title=NSW board accepts complaint against Folau|first=Julian|last=Drape|date=13 December 2019|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] }}</ref> The case was rejected and dismissed during April 2020 initial proceedings, and was found to be of ''collateral purpose, as a means to pressure the respondent to settle with him''.<ref>{{cite news |title=NSW board declines complaint against Folau |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-board-declines-complaint-against-folau/406d930a-8ab4-4043-b1ff-721aed3da350 |access-date=23 April 2020 |agency=Australian Associated Press (AAP) |publisher=9News |date=16 April 2020}}</ref>

== Other controversies ==
After Folau signed for the [[Catalans Dragons]] in 2020, he caused controversy again, in the first game of the season against [[St Helens R.F.C.|St Helens]], being the only player of both teams refusing to [[take the knee]], as a symbol of solidarity against [[Police brutality in the United States|police brutality]] and [[Racism in the United States|racism]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=de Menezes|first=Jack|date=2020-08-02|title=Controversial Israel Folau only player to refuse to take a knee before rugby game|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/israel-folau-take-knee-st-helens-vs-catalans-dragons-a9650491.html|access-date=2020-08-03|website=[[The Independent]]|language=en}}</ref>

==Honours==
===Individual===
====Rugby league====
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007]]: [[Dally M]] Rookie of the Year
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007]]: Australian Young Performer of the Year ''([[Fairfax Media|Fairfax]] Sports Performer Awards)''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/stand-up-and-take-a-bow-israel-folau/2007/11/28/1196036988410.html |title=Stand up and take a bow, Israel Folau |work=[[The Age]] |date=28 November 2007 }}</ref>
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007]]: International Newcomer of the Year ([[RLIF Awards]])
* [[2008 Rugby League State of Origin series|2008]]: State of Origin Man-of-the-Match (Game 3, 2008)
* [[National Rugby League season 2008|2008]]: [[Dally M]] Centre of the Year

===Team===
====Rugby league====
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007]]: [[National Rugby League|NRL]] Premiers ''(Melbourne Storm)'' (stripped)
* [[National Rugby League season 2008|2008]]: NRL Minor Premiers ''(Melbourne Storm)'' (stripped)

====Rugby union====
* [[2014 Super Rugby season|2014]]: [[Super Rugby]] Winners'' (New South Wales Waratahs)''

===Representative===
====Rugby league====
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007]]: All-time Youngest Australian International Player ''(18 years and 194 days)''
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007–09]]: Australian Kangaroos Test Squad (3 Tests)
* [[National Rugby League season 2008|2008]]: Australian Rugby League World Cup Squad (5 Matches)
* [[National Rugby League season 2008|2008–10]]: Queensland State of Origin Squad (8 Matches)

====Rugby union====
* [[2015 Rugby Championship|2015]]: [[The Rugby Championship|Rugby Championship]] Winners

===National Rugby League Records===
* [[National Rugby League season 2007|2007]]: Most Tries in a Debut Season ''(21)''

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{sports links}}
* [https://www.playersvoice.com.au/athletes/israel-folau Israel Folau's first-person articles]

{{Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu squad}}
{{Melbourne Storm squad - 2007 NRL Grand Final winners}}
{{Australia 2008 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{Australia Squad 2015 Rugby World Cup}}
{{Inaugural Greater Western Sydney Giants team}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Folau, Israel}}
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