NRL club ditches Israel Folau in a massive backflip after backlash over their decision to pursue the controversial footy star
- St George Illawarra Dragons ceased discussions around signing Israel Folau
- The NRL club issued statement on Wednesday night confirming the decision
- Dragons had enquired about signing Folau on two-year contract worth $1million
NRL club the St George Illawarra Dragons have scrapped plans to sign Israel Folau after a massive backlash over their decision to pursue the controversial footy star.
‘While the Dragons did enquire about signing Folau, the club can confirm that such discussions have now ceased,’ a statement from the club Wednesday night said.
‘The Dragons will make no further comment.’
The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced they have ceased discussions around signing Israel Folau (pictured with wife Maria)
Folau signed a new one-year contract with French club Catalans Dragons (pictured) in June 2020 but returned to Australia after the birth of his first child in the summer
Dragons boss Ryan Webb had on Tuesday confirmed the club formally applied to the NRL to allow them to sign Folau on a two-year contract worth $1million.
‘We are genuinely interested in having him join the club, We’ve spoken to key stakeholders internally and now we will ask the NRL if they will consider registering his contract,’ Webb had previously said.
Folau had his Wallabies and Super Rugby contracts ripped in 2019 after claiming ‘hell awaits’ gay people in a now-infamous Instagram post.
The 31-year-old has been playing rugby league for Catalans in the Super League and signed a one-year extension with them in July last year.
He has been in Australia over the summer after the birth of his first child.
More to come.
Israel Folau and his wife Maria. St George Illawarra Dragons CEO Ryan Webb on Tuesday had confirmed the club formally applied to the NRL to allow them to sign Folau on a two-year contract
The 31-year-old had his Wallabies and Super Rugby contracts ripped in 2019 after claiming ‘hell awaits’ gay people on a now-infamous Instagram post
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