Back in action.

Israel Folau is back in rugby with Super League side the Catalans Dragons announcing they have signed him on a one-year deal.

A number of conditions have been set in his contract including Folau refraining from any social media use at the club as long as he is their player.

Folau was infamously sacked by Rugby Australia last year for his use of homophobic comments on social media and recently settled out of court with the body in a multi-million dollar case.

“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,” Folau said in a statement following the move.

“I look forward to my return to the great game of Rugby League with the Catalans Dragons.”

Folau has been named Wallabies Player of the Year a record three times, in 2014, 2015 and 2017. He is also is the fourth highest try-scoring Australian international player with 37 tries in 73 tests and he became in 2019 the record holder for most tries scored in Super Rugby history.

Catalans Dragons Chairman Bernard Guasch said:

“We want to give Israel a new opportunity to shine on the pitch. We do not support or agree with Israel’s previously expressed and controversial views which are based upon his sincerely held religious belief.

“We do not share or condone those views and we are totally committed to our club and our sport being open and welcoming to everyone. We do not believe that those views should be publicly expressed, especially by a high-profile sportsperson.

“We have a signed agreement with the RFL. Any transgression will trigger an immediate termination of Israel’s contract and a substantial fine for the club.”