Israel Folau: Controversial Catalans Dragons star set for Super League debut against Castleford

Former Wallabies international has not played competitively since being sacked by Rugby Australia over homophobic comments

Israel Folau is set to make his Super League debut for Catalans Dragons after being included in their 21-man squad for this Saturday's match against Castleford Tigers.

The former Wallabies international has not played competitively since being sacked by Rugby Australia last May after posting homophobic comments on social media.

Folau joined the Dragons two weeks ago and coach Steve McNamara insisted the 30-year-old "looks in really good shape" and would play "when he's ready to contribute positively to the team on the field".

The announcement of Folau's signing was greeted by fierce backlash after he claimed "hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators”, and that gender fluidity is the work of the "devil".

He also claimed that same-sex marriage and abortion were the cause of Australia's bushfires crisis during a sermon last November.

Israel Folau poses after signing with Catalans Dragons (AP) (Ap)

Folau confirmed he would no longer express his religious views in public in a statement, which read: “I acknowledge the views expressed by Super League and the Rugby Football League.

“I'm a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them. I look forward to my return to the great game of Rugby League with the Catalans Dragons.”

In December, Folau and Rugby Australia released a joint-statement to confirm that an out-of-court settlement had been reached to end his lengthy legal claim of unlawful dismissal, with the 30-year-old understood to have received around A$8m (£4.1m).

His signing for Catalans Dragons was ratified by the Rugby Football League in what they described as a “difficult decision”, with Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone admitting that several influential voices within the game “share my disappointment that one of our clubs has chosen to sign him”.

“Super League deplores the homophobic comments Israel Folau has made in the past, which squarely contradict our sport’s core values,” Elstone said in a statement. “I have sought the opinion of informed voices connected to our game, and the majority share my disappointment that one of our clubs has chosen to sign him. There is a strong feeling that the decision to sign him lets down many people connected to our sport. I made Catalans Dragons aware of those views.

Israel Folau addresses the media after being sacked by Rugby Australia (Getty)

“However, Super League does not have the authority to veto the registration of players and is satisfied by the due diligence carried out by The Rugby Football League. Israel Folau is a free agent, who has the right to work, and he has not been charged or found guilty of any criminal offence.

“Catalans Dragons has assured Super League that strict guidelines are in place to prevent the player from repeating his comments. They have also assured us that his contract will be terminated immediately should he do so.”

The RFL added: “However distasteful his previous comments, we don’t believe that, under our current regulatory framework, these can prevent his participation in the sport. We have sought and received reassurances from both the player and the club regarding future behaviour.

“The RFL has taken and will continue to take action where any player breaches expected standards of behaviour while registered with a club, and comments that conflict with our commitment to Inclusion and Diversity across the game will not be tolerated.”