Australian · Sydney, Australia · Born 3 April 1989Israel Folau was a spectacular try-scoring fullback for the Wallabies before his career ended in controversy over social media comments in 2019.
A rare code-crossing talent, Israel Folau made his name in rugby league and briefly in Australian Rules football before switching to rugby union in 2013. He made an immediate impact on debut against the British & Irish Lions, scoring two tries, with scrum-half Will Genia describing him afterward as 'an absolute freak'. Folau's explosive athleticism, honed across three different codes, made him one of the most dangerous aerial and try-scoring threats in world rugby, changing the way opposition teams approached kicking tactics against him. He scored a hat-trick against Argentina in 2014 and helped the Waratahs win their maiden Super Rugby title the same year, becoming Super Rugby's all-time leading try-scorer during his time with the franchise. He was named the John Eales Medallist, Australian rugby's player of the year award, for 2014. Over seven seasons with the Waratahs and more than 70 Wallaby caps, Folau equalled Lote Tuqiri's Australian single-season try record and became one of the most feared finishers in the international game. Folau's Wallabies career ended abruptly in 2019 when Rugby Australia issued him a breach of contract notice following a series of homophobic social media posts that violated the sport's code of conduct. He was subsequently released by both the Waratahs and Rugby Australia, ending his international career, and went on to play rugby league and rugby union in other competitions overseas.
Prolific try-scoring fullback/wing, dual/triple code international
How They Played
Explosive athleticism with exceptional aerial ability and finishing power
Lasting Impact
One of the most explosive attacking talents of his generation, whose career ended in controversy
Career Honours
- John Eales Medal winner
Australian Athletes