Rugby eligibility change could let Folau play for Tonga

New eligibility rules passed by World Rugby could open the way for the controversial Israel Folau to make his return to the international game with Tonga.

The world governing body approved a major amendment to their eligibility policy on Wednesday which will allow players to switch countries more easily from next January.

It looks set to pave the path for the likes of Folau, one of the Wallabies' most outstanding backs who was sacked by Australia over homophobic social media posts, to launch a second international career thanks to his Tongan heritage.

And the move could prove a huge boost for developing rugby nations - particularly the Pacific Island sides Tonga, Samoa and Fiji - in time for the 2023 World Cup in France.

[Source: TVNZ]