Israel Folau arrives in Perpignan for training with new club Catalans

Drew Darbyshire

Israel Folau has begun training with his new Catalans team-mates in the south of France.

Last Tuesday, the Dragons announced the signing of the controversial character on a one-year contract.

Folau was banned by Rugby Australia last May over homophobic comments he made on social media, saying “hell awaits” gay people.

He is thought to have flown in on Monday and was seen arriving at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on Tuesday morning.

Folau could make his debut for the Dragons in Sunday’s match at Wakefield after being brought in as a direct replacement for Fiji international Brayden Wiliame, who joined NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons in the off-season.

Catalans club president Bernard Guasch is expected to make a rare appearance at a meeting of Super League clubs in Salford on Wednesday to explain his club’s behaviour and why they signed Folau.


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