Thanks but no thanks. Israel Folau might want to feature in this year’s British and Irish Lions series, but that idea should be kicked into touch quicker than the once magnificent fullback could fire off an Instagram post.
Rugby Australia wisely has indicated they’ll keep the door open, but the governing body will surely stay a mile away from inviting the three-time John Eales Medallist back to share in the spectacle of the game’s biggest event since 2013.
Folau might have been the star of the campaign for the Wallabies the last time the Lions toured Down Under and remains a huge name in international rugby, but he’s also the man who brought the game to its knees in 2019 a year after he was strongly advised about bringing the game into disrepute.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
What’s the old saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, shame on both of us.
That’s not to say bread shouldn’t be broken, it’s just RA would be wise not to re-open the can of worms of what was one of the game’s messiest chapters.
Not only were millions of dollars thrown down the drain because of the unique fiasco, but the game was dragged through the mud because of Folau’s unnecessary post.
Almost 36, having played for Tonga, there’s nothing to win for RA by bringing out the red carpet and allowing the gifted athlete to take a precious spot in the AUNZ side to take on the Lions in Adelaide on July 12 despite Folau’s desire.
“If I was to get given that opportunity, it would be an awesome opportunity to play with guys that you used to play against, obviously the All Blacks, they’re world-class players,” Folau told News Corp earlier this week.
“Getting a chance to run alongside them, and then obviously against the Lions, is huge.
“I’ve always been proud of being able to put that gold jersey on to represent the Wallabies. I was fortunate enough to do it for a very long time.
“And I’ve got nothing negative against what’s happened in the past. I still love the game over there.
“I enjoy the supporters and the fans. And if this was an opportunity that came about, it would be very exciting to play in front of Aussie supporters again.”
Now a father, Folau has more reasons than ever before to want to pull on an Australian jersey.
“Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional,” added Folau, who has played in Japan since 2021.
“I think back 12 years ago, life’s changed so much, obviously a lot of things happened.
“I’ve got kids now. Life’s different, but if I do get the opportunity to play and my kids and my wife get to witness that, it would be definitely pretty special.”
That’s all well and good, but it’s not enough to deny the next generation an opportunity to do what he once did in front of a sold out Australian crowd.
After all, the Lions’ series promises to be a six-week tour of celebration. It doesn’t need a sideshow to derail it.
