Israel Folau return imminent and could face the Wallabies

50 years after Tonga beat Australia at Ballymore they could face again in Brisbane. Tonga coach and Wallaby legend, Toutai Kefu, is hoping the two sides will meet next year on the 50th anniversary of that historic result. Fox Sports are reporting that Israel Folau could face Australia sooner than that with plans to include Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup.

“We thought we could get a game with them before they fly out to France,” Kefu told foxsports.com.au from France, where the former Wallaby is mapping out a schedule with clubs and players about the nation’s 12-month road to the World Cup. 

After a three-year stand down period on the international stage, World Rugby now allows players to change allegiances if they were born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent born there.

The law change means players like Folau and former All Blacks Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa are eligible for Tonga. Former Wallabies Sekope Kepu and Adam Coleman could also pull on the red jersey.

“Putting this team together for next year, a lot of the other players, players like Charles Piutau, I saw George Moala and Pita Ahki on Wednesday, Malakai Fekitoa, they all keep asking, is Izzy going to play? And I’ve said to them, of course, he’s bought in.” Kefu said