Catalans insist Israel Folau remains committed to Dragons
Israel Folau made 15 appearances for Catalans last season
Catalans Dragons have shot down reports that dual-code Australian international Israel Folau is set to turn his back on the Super League club.
That prompted speculation that the former Wallaby will not honour his contract, which he extended to the end of 2021 last July.
Dragons coach Steve McNamara says he has kept in regular dialogue with Folau, who remains committed to the club but needs to remain in Australia for personal reasons as well as restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“He’s got a family situation and we’re working together on that,” McNamara said. “We’re constantly speaking, we’re monitoring the situation as best we can.”
In a statement, the Dragons said: “The club and Israel Folau have been in constant dialogue since Christmas regarding a personal family situation.
“This, along with Covid restrictions, are currently preventing his return to France.”
The Catalans players have yet to report back for training after the schedule was put on hold due to heightened Covid-19 restrictions.
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