Israel Folau
Israel Folau
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Israel Aduncan Folau is a former Australian professional rugby union player who also represented the country in rugby league.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 3, 1989
Still active in public life as of writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Australian
Rugby Union Player (2007-2018)
Rugby League Player (2005-2007)
Early Life and Background
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Israel Folau was born to Tongan immigrant parents on April 3, 1989. He grew up in Sydney, Australia, where he began playing rugby league at a young age. After switching sports to rugby union, Folau made his debut for the New South Wales Waratahs in 2007.
Major Accomplishments
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- Super Rugby Championship: Won with the Waratahs (2014)
- Rugby World Cup Qualifier: Scored a try against Samoa (2015)
- Wallabies Squad: Selected for the Australian national team (2013-2018)
Notable Works or Actions
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Israel Folau's career was not without controversy. He gained international attention in 2018 when he published a series of social media posts stating that LGBTQ+ individuals would go to hell unless they repented. This led to his contract with Rugby Australia being terminated.
Folau had previously spoken out on issues such as the treatment of Indigenous Australians and the impact of climate change.
Impact and Legacy
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Israel Folau's on-field achievements are undeniable, but it is his off-field actions that have left a lasting impact. His unapologetic stance on social media ignited a nationwide debate about freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and the role of athletes in society.
Folau has also been an advocate for Indigenous rights, climate change awareness, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, sparking conversations around these issues within his community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Israel Folau is remembered not only for his sporting achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to his faith. His willingness to speak out on sensitive topics has made him a polarizing figure, inspiring both admiration and criticism from fans, fellow athletes, and the broader public.
His legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding free speech, social responsibility, and the impact that individuals can have when they use their platforms to express themselves.
As a prominent figure in Australian sports and society, Folau continues to be quoted or referenced by media outlets, sparking debates about the intersection of faith, politics, and public discourse.
Quotes by Israel Folau
I've just got to be a little bit cautious with my technique and all that sort of stuff, going into tackles. But I'm not going to change the way that I go into it. I'm going to be aggressive.
I enjoy watching the NFL, but you've got to have a real passion to make that transition and have a real crack at it.
There are different reasons why I wanted to try AFL - some of them family reasons and others were more personal ones.
I get excited when the ball goes up in the air. I try to always get up there... I get a buzz out of it.
I probably realized when I was maybe 13 years of age that I could make a living out of playing professional sport and from that time on it was really a goal for me do that as soon as I can.
I think probably all of my determination and eagerness to want to play professional sport came from my family.
I've been watching a whole heap of video footage of different players on different teams and how different players get the football. But the best way I learn is getting out there and playing.
I get a huge excitement from seeing the other guys cross the line. It really is a team game rugby, so if we are getting points on the board I am still very happy.