Retour
Former Australia rugby star Israel Folau has confirmed his retirement from professional sport at the age of 37.
The former Wallabies full-back has called time on a career that took him across three sports.
And despite his controversial exit from Australian rugby, Folau insists he has no regrets.
Speaking to Australia's Daily Telegraph, he confirmed he would not seek another professional contract.
“Yeah, I'm done now. I'm not looking for any other opportunity in terms of playing at that level.”
Folau had been linked with a return to the NRL, with Wests Tigers among the clubs mentioned.
However, the former Melbourne Storm star has decided his professional playing days are over.
He is still set to feature in Australia's Nines Premier League, a nine-a-side rugby league event.
But that appearance will be for enjoyment rather than a full-time comeback.
For Folau, family life now comes first.
Folau won 73 caps for the Wallabies, scoring 37 Test tries.
He also enjoyed success with the Waratahs before his Australia career ended in 2019.
Rugby Australia terminated his contract following social media posts condemning gay people on religious grounds.
The dispute ended in a confidential settlement.
Folau later played for Catalans Dragons and Japan's Urayasu D-Rocks. He also represented Tonga.
Now, after almost two decades in professional sport, he has decided enough is enough.
He plans to spend more time with his family and remain involved in grassroots rugby league.
For a player who rarely stayed out of the headlines, this appears to be the final chapter.