Israel Folau has officially announced his retirement from professional sport after an extraordinary career which spanned more than two decades.
Beginning his rugby league career three weeks before his 18th birthday, Folau went on to become one of Australia’s greatest ever athletes following stints in the 13-man code, Aussie Rules and rugby union.
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A dual-international, the 37-year-old will end his career with 91 NRL matches (Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos), five Origin appearances for Queensland and eight rugby league Tests for the Kangaroos to his name.
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He also recorded 73 Tests for the Australian Wallabies, 96 Super Rugby showings for the New South Wales Waratahs and 13 matches across two seasons for the GWS Giants.
“Yeah, I’m done now. I’m not looking for any other opportunity in terms of playing at that level,” he confirmed to CODE Sports.
“I guess I’m still sort of processing it now. Still very fresh, I guess. It hasn’t really sunk in just yet.
“I look across my time playing the game, I was very blessed to play at the highest level for even that long.
“It’s not common for players to get to play at that level for that long. I’m very thankful and grateful for the career I’ve gotten to have.
“I think maybe in a year’s time it will sink in a bit more and you sit back and reflect. At the moment I’m still going through that process.”
Folau’s decision to call time on his career comes less than six months after he was linked with a shock return to the NRL via the Wests Tigers on a train and trial contract.
After switching his international allegiance in rugby union to Tonga, his management approached the Tigers before the June 30 deadline but no deal was struck between two two parties.
Most recently, he had completed four seasons in the Japanese rugby union competition.
Known for his ability on the field, Folau also had one of the most controversial careers of a sporting athlete.
In 2019, his contract was terminated by Rugby Australia after he breached their Code of Conduct over social media posts condemning homosexuality and other behaviour on religious grounds.
“There’s a bit of doubt. You second-guess yourself and whether you are doing the right thing,” the three-time Wallabies player of the year said.
“But I think growth comes in the most challenging times of your life.
“There was moments there where I tried the best that I could and still wasn’t good enough.”
Open to playing alongside his brother in grassroots rugby league next year, he will also play in January’s Nines Premier League tournament on the Gold Coast.
It was announced on social media, he will join ‘EZ Squad’ alongside former South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Eddy Pettybourne.
“I’d definitely be open to playing a bit of local footy,” he continued.
“I still feel fit and healthy. It’s great to have a run around but also give back to grassroots footy.
“With the Nines it’s just a bit of fun, supporting Eddy, supporting Ant (Mitchell, tournament founder), the concept of Nines and the EZ Squad,” Folau said.
“Just a good weekend to play a bit of footy.”
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