Israel Folau return to 15s rugby after been named in the Tongan squad

Israel Folau is set to return to test rugby after being named in the Tongan squad for their upcoming Pacific Nations Cup and World Cup qualification matches.

Having sat out the last three years of test rugby following his sacking by Rugby Australia in 2019 for controversial social media posts, Folau has been able to take advantage of new eligibility laws in the game and pledge his allegiance to Tonga through his parental link.

Folau is one of several former test players to be named in the squad, alongside former All Blacks Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau and Augustine Pulu.

Former New Zealand rugby league representative Solomone Kata has also been named.

NZ Herald