Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Israel Folau with immediate effect.

Folau, 30, has signed a 1 year contract with the club.

Israel Folau commented: “I acknowledge the views expressed by Super League and the Rugby Football League. I'm a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them. I look forward to my return to the great game of Rugby League with the Catalans Dragons.”

Folau was just 17 when he began his career in the NRL in 2007 with Melbourne, where he broke the record for most tries in a debut year. Named Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2007 and Dally M Centre of the Year in 2008, he moved to the Brisbane Broncos two years later.

He had a successful four-year career in the game, scoring 73 tries in 91 NRL games. He also represented Queensland in the State of Origin and Australia, becoming the youngest ever player to play for both teams.

He moved to rugby union with the Waratahs in 2013 after a two-year spell in Australian Rules (AFL). He made his international debut for Australia in 2013. Folau has been named Wallabies Player of the Year a record three times, in 2014, 2015 and 2017. Folau is the fourth highest try scoring Australian international player with 37 tries in 73 tests and he became in 2019 the record holder for most tries scored in Super Rugby history.

Catalans Dragons Chairman Bernard Guasch : “We want to give Israel a new opportunity to shine on the pitch. We do not support or agree with Israel’s previously expressed and controversial views which are based upon his sincerely held religious belief. We do not share or condone those views and we are totally committed to our club and our sport being open and welcoming to everyone. We do not believe that those views should be publicly expressed, especially by a high-profile sports person. We have a signed agreement with the RFL. Any transgression will trigger an immediate termination of Israel’s contract and a substantial fine for the club.”

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