Israel Folau hopes to play rugby in Australia again, six years after being sacked by the Wallabies.

Rugby Australia terminated Folau’s A$5-million contract in May 2019 for a social media post that said “hell awaits” homosexuals and others he considers sinners.

The star fullback, who earned 73 Test caps for the Wallabies, sought A$14-million in damages from Rugby Australia. The organisation was forced to apologise to Folau, who received a multi-million-dollar settlement.

Folau then used changes to World Rugby’s eligibility laws to represent Tonga, but played only two Tests for them before missing out on 2023 World Cup squad selection due to a knee injury.

The 35-year-old, who is currently playing for Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan, told News Corp that he hoped to be selected for the trans-Tasman invitational side to play the British & Irish Lions at the Adelaide Oval on 12 July.

“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,” said Folau. “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.’

ALSO: I would walk into Wallabies lineup – Folau

Folau, a father of two, said he’d love to play in front of his family in Australia.

“Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional. 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.”

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