TOKYO – Dual-code international Israel Folau, who was sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for saying “hell awaits” gay people, will play club rugby in Japan next season, it was announced Monday.
Folau has signed up to play for NTT Communications Shining Arcs in the premier domestic competition when it starts its new season in January 2022, the Japan Rugby Football Union announced.
At his new club, based in Chiba near Tokyo, he will be coached by Rob Penney, who was sacked by NSW Waratahs in March after a nightmare five-loss start to the Super Rugby AU season.
Folau was released “with immediate effect” by French rugby league side Catalan Dragons last week.
The 32-year-old had informed the club he wanted to stay in Australia for what the Dragons said was…
