RWC stint

Israel Folau eyeing Rugby World Cup stint for Tonga - coach

Folau, 32, hasn't kicked a ball in the 15-man code since 2019, when he was sacked by Rugby Australia for a series of homophobic outbursts on social media, breaching his contract with the union.

After legal proceedings and a reported settlement of AU$8m, Folau moved to Europe, where he played one season in the UK Super League for French side Catalans Dragons.

But now back residing in Brisbane - and a free agent - Folau has already had an attempt to return to the NRL knocked back, but has been contacted Kefu about returning to test rugby.