Catalans not expecting Israel Folau protests

Drew Darbyshire

Catalans are not expecting any “specific protests” when Israel Folau makes his debut for the club.

The 30-year-old is set to play his first game of rugby league in 10 years on Saturday evening when the Dragons host Castleford in Perpignan.

Folau has penned a one-year contract with Catalans after being sacked by Rugby Australia for homophobic comments he posted on social media.

The dual-code Australia international has been training with his new team-mates for the past week and he looked relaxed at their captain’s run on Friday.

 

Folau received a warm reception from the French supporters and seemed settled in, with him joking around at the end of the training session.

He has admitted that he thought about retiring from sport following the wake of his sacking by Rugby Australia.

Folau has still not addressed the impact or reaction of his homophobic posts from last April, which are still available to view on his social media.

The Dragons take on the Tigers at the Stade Gilbert Brutus tonight, 5pm kick-off.


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