There was a controversial situation in May when a dual code international attempted to make a return on the Gold Coast with the Southport Tigers but was denied by Queensland Rugby League due to his existing contract with the Catalans Dragons. QRL’s stance saw the 32-year-old threaten legal action initially before opting to negotiate with Catalans last week.
Catalans released a statement that stated “Catalans Dragons can confirm Israel Folau will be released from the remainder of his contract with immediate effect.” He was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 over a social media post in which he said homosexuals, among other groups were headed to “hell” unless they repented for their sins, was thrown a lifeline by the French club before the 2020 season, despite plenty of opposition. He played in 15 out of a possible 17 matches last season and agreed a contract extension to the end of 2021 but the Dragons gave him permission to miss the start of this season in order to attend to pressing family matters in Australia. While back in Australia, Folau was courted by St George Illawarra before they pulled out due to heavy backlash from the NRL, leading to his most recent attempt to make a comeback with Southport, where his brothers play.
Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch said. “Israel has been great with us in 2020, both on and off the field, and we wanted to facilitate the negotiations to reach an agreement, He told us his desire to play alongside his two brothers and we didn’t want to prevent him.”
