If you were watching rugby in the mid-2010s, you couldn't escape the name. Israel Folau. He was, quite literally, everywhere. One second he was out-jumping three defenders in the air, the next he was the center of a national firestorm that basically changed the way sports contracts are written in Australia.
Most people remember the ending—the court cases and the social media posts. But for a while there, Israel Folau rugby union highlights were the only thing keeping the Wallabies relevant. It’s kinda wild to look back at how fast it all happened. He transitioned from league to AFL and then to union, and within months, he was the best fullback in the world. No exaggeration.
The Freakish Rise of the Number 15
Folau didn't just play rugby union; he dominated the physics of it. Standing at 1.93m and weighing over 100kg, he had a vertical leap that made him look like he was playing a different sport. Honestly, his background in AFL probably helped with that.
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He made his debut for the Wallabies in 2013 against the British & Irish Lions. Most guys are nervous. Folau? He scored two tries in his first game. He ended that debut season with 10 tries, equaling Lote Tuqiri’s record for the most tries by a Wallaby in a single year.
By 2014, he was the first player ever to win the John Eales Medal in consecutive years. He eventually won it three times (2014, 2015, 2017). People sometimes forget how dominant the Waratahs were during this period too. In 2014, they won their first-ever Super Rugby title, and Folau was the engine room. He eventually finished his Super Rugby career with 60 tries, which stood as the all-time record until Julian Savea finally passed it in 2024.
Why Israel Folau Rugby Union Career Hit a Wall
Everything changed in April 2019. It wasn't an injury or a dip in form. It was an Instagram post.
Folau, a devout Christian, posted a graphic that listed "homosexuals" among several groups he claimed were headed for "hell" unless they repented. This wasn't his first brush with controversy, but it was the one that broke the camel's back. Rugby Australia (RA) decided that his views breached the professional players' Code of Conduct.
It was a mess. A total legal and cultural nightmare.
- RA terminated his four-year, $4 million contract.
- Folau sued for wrongful termination based on religious discrimination.
- The case settled out of court in December 2019 for an undisclosed sum.
- The public was split down the middle: free speech vs. inclusive workplace.
Basically, the Wallabies lost their best attacking weapon right before the 2019 World Cup. It's a "what if" that still haunts Australian rugby fans. If Folau had been in that squad, does the Michael Cheika era end differently? Probably not entirely, but they certainly would've scored more tries.
The Japan Chapter and the Tongan Switch
After the dust settled in Australia, Folau went back to his roots in rugby league for a bit with the Catalans Dragons in France. But the 15-man game called him back.
He moved to Japan to join the Urayasu D-Rocks (formerly NTT Communications Shining Arcs). If you think he lost his touch, think again. In the 2024-25 Japan Rugby League One season, he was still scoring at an absurd rate. He’s 36 now, but the leap is still there. He’s currently playing as a "Category C" player in Japan, which basically means he's an international star recruit.
Representing Tonga
One of the coolest—and most overlooked—parts of his later career is his switch to Tonga. Thanks to a change in World Rugby eligibility rules in 2021, players can switch to a nation of their heritage if they haven't played for their original country for three years.
Folau debuted for Tonga in 2022. He was supposed to be the centerpiece of their 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign alongside other big names like Charles Piutau. Unfortunately, a knee injury ruined that dream. He was "devastated" to miss out, and Tonga definitely missed his presence under the high ball.
The Reality Check: Is He Still the Same Player?
Look, he’s not the same guy who tore the Lions apart in Brisbane. Age catches up to everyone. But in the context of Israel Folau rugby union history, his stats are still some of the best the game has ever seen.
- 73 Caps for Australia
- 37 International Tries
- 3 John Eales Medals
He remains a polarizing figure. To some, he’s a martyr for religious freedom; to others, he’s a cautionary tale about the limits of personal expression in a corporate-sponsored sport.
What You Can Learn From the Folau Saga
If you're a young athlete or just a fan, the Folau story is a masterclass in how quickly the "business" of sport can overtake the "game." Talent is a massive shield, but it isn't indestructible.
If you want to track his current form, keep an eye on the Japan Rugby League One results. He’s still active with Urayasu D-Rocks as of 2026, often starting at fullback. While his international days for the Wallabies are long gone, his influence on the Tongan national team remains a major storyline for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup cycles.
To understand the full impact, it's worth watching his 2017 season highlights. That was peak Folau. 12 tries in 10 tests. It’s a level of individual dominance that we haven't really seen from an Australian back since.
To stay updated on his current match stats, you can follow the official Japan Rugby League One player portal or the Tonga Rugby Union social feeds. Watching how he adapts his game in his late 30s provides a fascinating look at how elite athletes compensate for lost speed with better positioning and veteran craft.