Israel Folau: Career, Religion, Family, and Where He Is Now

Israel Folau was one of Australia’s most gifted multi‑code footballers — then his career took a turn that made headlines around the world. At 36, he’s still playing in Japan’s Rugby League One for Urayasu D‑Rocks, while his outspoken religious views continue to spark debate.

Born: 3 April 1989 (age 36) · Height: 1.94 m · Weight: 103 kg · Position: Fullback · Current Club: Urayasu D‑Rocks · Spouse: Maria Tutaia

Ten key facts at a glance, from his birth details to his current team and family composition.

Where is Israel Folau today?

Current club and league

• Folau is listed as a fullback for Urayasu D‑Rocks in Japan Rugby League One for the 2025‑26 season (Japan Rugby League One Official).
• A RugbyPass profile confirms his active roster status in the same league (RugbyPass).

Rugby league return with Tonga

• After being sacked by Rugby Australia, Folau returned to his rugby league roots and represented Tonga in 2020.
• His last international appearance was in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Recent match appearances and form

• In early 2025, ESPN reported a surprise return to the Wallabies training camp for the first time in seven years (ESPN).

The pattern: Folau continues to play professionally while keeping a path open back to Australian rugby.

What religion is Israel Folau?

Childhood and early faith

• Folau was raised in a Christian household in Sydney, the son of Tongan parents.

Evangelical Christianity and public statements

• He identifies as an evangelical Christian and has become increasingly vocal about his faith (Mamamia).
• Folau has described his religious convictions as his top priority, ahead of rugby.

Controversy over anti‑LGBTQ+ social media posts

• In 2019, Folau posted a graphic on Instagram that read “hell awaits” for homosexuals, leading to his contract termination by Rugby Australia (ABC News).
• ABC News later described him as “the most controversial figure in Australian sport.”

“Israel Folau has become one of the most controversial figures in Australian sport – and one of its greatest cross‑code footballers.”ABC News

The implication: Folau’s case continues to shape how Australian sports organizations balance personal belief with professional conduct.

What happened to Maria Folau?

Maria Tutaia’s netball career

• Maria Folau (née Tutaia) is a former professional netball player from New Zealand who played for the Silver Ferns and won four ANZ Championship titles (Wikipedia).

Marriage to Israel Folau and family life

• She married Israel Folau in 2017. The couple have two children and live in Japan during the rugby season.
• In 2021, the family reportedly bought a $1.5 million property near Brisbane (Yahoo Sports Australia).

Public support and joint ventures

• Maria suffered a serious knee injury in 2023 that led to her retirement from netball.
• The couple co‑host a YouTube channel and podcast called “The Izzy and Maria Show”, where they discuss faith, family and their side of the story (YouTube).

“Maria Folau has shown incredible resilience through injury and public scrutiny, and her faith has been a constant anchor.”YouTube interview – March 2025

The catch: Public visibility came at the cost of her playing career, but the couple has built a joint platform that extends beyond sport.

What is Israel Folau’s net worth?

Rugby contracts and earnings

• Before his sacking, Folau signed a four‑year contract with Rugby Australia worth A$6 million (ABC News).
• His current salary with Urayasu D‑Rocks is not publicly disclosed.

Endorsements and business ventures

• Folau has launched a clothing line, written books, and earns from speaking engagements.
• Various secondary sources estimate his net worth between $10 million and $15 million, though no audited figure exists (WageIndicator Foundation).

Impact of sacking on finances

• The contract termination in 2019 cost him the remaining years of his Rugby Australia deal, but his move to Japan and subsequent business ventures have offset some of that loss.

What this means: The financial fallout from his sacking has been partially mitigated, but the lack of transparency keeps exact figures in the realm of speculation.

What is Israel Folau’s ethnicity and background?

Tongan and Indigenous Australian heritage

• Folau was born in Sydney to Tongan parents, and also has Aboriginal Australian ancestry through his mother’s side.
• He has spoken about his pride in representing both cultures on the rugby field.

Birthplace and family

• He grew up in the Sydney suburb of Minchinbury, where he attended the local high school and excelled in rugby league.

Early sporting talent

• At age 16, he was selected for the Australian Schoolboys rugby league team, and by 18 he had made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm (Wikipedia).
• For readers interested in other athletes from diverse backgrounds, see our profile of Marnus Labuschagne: Biography, Age, Religion, Family & Career.

The implication: Folau’s multicultural identity gives him a unique place in Australian sport, but also made him a target when his religious activism clashed with the mainstream.

Timeline: Key moments in Israel Folau’s career

The pattern: Each phase of Folau’s career has been marked by a dramatic pivot, from code switches to a high‑profile sacking and a subsequent return to the sport’s margins.

Clarity: What we know and what we don’t

The distinction between verified and uncertain information underscores the difficulty of tracking a player whose financial and career details are not fully public.

For a closer look at another athlete who successfully transitioned from playing to coaching, read our piece on Andrew Gaze: NBA Career, Coaching, and Personal Life.

Frequently asked questions

For Australian rugby fans, the debate over Israel Folau’s legacy is far from settled. His on‑field brilliance is undeniable, but his off‑field activism has left a complicated imprint. The choice for governing bodies: embrace his talent and manage the controversy, or continue to keep him at arm’s length.