Watch: Israel Folau scores a match winner on his return to rugby union

Former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau made a try-scoring comeback to rugby union on Saturday dotting down in the 75th minute of Shining Arcs 23-24 win over Kobe Steelers.

With Kobe leading 18-17 with five minutes to go, former Blues flyhalf Otere Black launched a crossfield kick for Folau to chase inside the Kobe 22. 

The 32-year-old beat two Kobe players to the ball and managed to dot the ball for the all-important try.

Israel Folau scored this crucial try in Shining Arcs' 23-24 win over Kobe Steelers. #OneLeague pic.twitter.com/8mG52CuM8C

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) January 8, 2022

Black added the extras from the tee as the Arcs took a six-point lead in the closing moments of the encounter.

Kobe did have a chance to seal the win in the final play of the game as Daiki Nakajima forced his way over the line but former All Black Aaron Cruden missed the game winning conversion as the Shining Arcs claimed the win.

Folau's match-winner was his second of the day as he marked his return with a try just 12 minutes into the game with a superb right foot step. 

Folau’s earlier try in the game pic.twitter.com/6439J0hDLd

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) January 8, 2022

He was named man of the match for his efforts against Kobe.

Season opener, 2 try’s in the bag and man of the match, Izzy is back! Also good to see Rokko rugby board member on the telly. Unlucky to the Kobe lads, good game boys onto the next. Speedy recovery Churaga @tokoqiososiceni pic.twitter.com/48AdlM2H7H

— Bill Waqalevu (@BWaqalevu) January 8, 2022

Rugby Australia terminated Folau's contract in 2019 after his homophobic remarks on social media. He subsequently ended up playing for French rugby league side Catalans Dragons before signing with the Shining Arcs ahead of the new Japan Rugby League One season.