Six years on from his controversial exit from Australian rugby, former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has expressed his interest in lining up for the combined Australia-New Zealand XV side to take on the British & Irish Lions later this year.
Sensationally axed from the Wallabies in 2019 after a breach of contract over several anti-gay Instagram posts, Folau is currently lining up for Japan's League One with the Urayasu D-Rocks where he continues to be a standout performer, and he admits he's keen to play in Australia once again.
A week after it was announced former All Blacks coach Ian Foster would be taking on the coaching role for the trans-Tasman side Folau says the allure of playing alongside stars he used to line-up against has seen him throw his hat in the ring for selection with Richie Mo'unga and Aaron Smith name dropped by Foster as players of interest.
"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.
"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."
Folau wore the gold jersey on 73 occasions, including the 2015 World Cup, and made his debut against the British & Irish Lions in 2013. At the time of his sacking he was on a contract worth AUS$5-million before he received a multi-million-dollar settlement from Rugby Australia following his departure and hasn't played in Australia since.
"Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional," Folau said. "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."
Folau has since switched his allegiances to Tonga after World Rugby changed eligibility laws ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France and has made two appearances. It
His Tongan heritage also provides an opportunity to line-up for the combined First Nations-Pasifika team RA announced to replace the Melbourne Rebels against the Lions in Melbourne in July.