Israel Folau’s reported availability to play for the Mate Ma‘a Tonga (MMT) in the two test matches against Great Britain and Australia at the end of the year, has been refuted by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

In a statement [2] released on 23 September, the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) said Israel and his brother John have registered to play league through the TNRL and are eligible to play in international rugby league fixtures.

It also stated that MMT head coach Frank Endacott, was thrilled at the prospect of both Israel and John being available to play.

“This is great news,” said Endacott. “These guys are great footballers and bring size, pace and skill to the team. They will make a huge impact in the team and provide exciting attack options all over the park.”

“This will be [a] great boost to the internationals, and I can’t wait to see the crowd support that this will generate from our famous Mate Ma’a Tonga supporters,” Endacott added. “And it is good to see the RLIF approving these players for internationals. This is great for the game.”

Israel Folau also said in the statement that he is “so grateful to have the opportunity to represent God, my family, my heritage and the people of Tonga”.

“I am thankful that the RLIF have accepted my availability to play.”

However, the RLIF responded with a statement [3] released late on 23 September.

“The Rugby League International Federation is aware of a media release issued by Tonga National Rugby League stating that Israel Folau has been ‘approved’ by the RLIF to represent Tonga in international matches. That statement is incorrect, the RLIF has not been formally asked to consider this matter”.

“The RLIF will not be commenting further on this situation at this stage.”

According to NRL.com [4], the RLIF Deputy Chair, Peter Beattie said the RLIF has made no decision in relation to any registration request for Israel Folau.

"As a current member and Deputy Chair of the RLIF board, as the ARLC representative, I can assure you that this has never been discussed or mentioned around the board table."

This issue adds to the current dispute faced by TNRL with star Mate Ma’a Tonga players including Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo after letting go of Coach Kristian Woolf on 4 September.

The players are demanding the resignation of chairman George Koloamatangi and secretary William Edwards and are threatening to boycott upcoming games until new TNRL board members are appointed.

Israel Folau's reported move to rugby league comes after he had his rugby contract terminated earlier this year by Rugby Australia because of a controversial meme he shared on Instagram calling on “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators” to repent.