Israel Folau Seen With Wallabies at Japan Training Base in First Sighting in Nearly Seven Years

Overview

• Joe Schmidt’s squad trained at Urayasu D‑Rocks’ facility in Chiba, where official Wallabies posts showed Folau alongside Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii and Samu Kerevi.
• The interaction was informal and social, with no indication Folau is being reintegrated into Rugby Australia programs or promotion.
• Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh recently ruled out pursuing Folau for the AUNZ XV against the British & Irish Lions, a call Folau said left him very disappointed.
• Folau has played for Japan’s Urayasu D‑Rocks since 2022 and has declared for Tonga, factors that complicate any participation in Australian-affiliated selections.
• Suaalii, named Australian rugby rookie of the year, has long labeled Folau a mentor, providing context for their catch‑up during the Wallabies’ Japan tour preparations.