Israel Folau has been left “devastated” after his World Cup goals dashed have been dashed with the previous Wallabies flyer ignored of Tonga‘s squad.
The 34-year-old failed to overcome a persistent knee injury in time to be included in coach Toutai Kefu’s 32-player squad.
Kefu, who will fly to France on Tuesday, has yet one more participant to be included forward of the August 28 deadline however conceded Folau wouldn’t be match sufficient for the match
“This is the squad that will be taking us to the 2023 Rugby World Cup,” Kefu stated in a press release.
“It’s a squad I’m very proud to coach and I know all the players are looking forward to representing their families and all Tongans around the globe with pride.
“Unfortunately a couple of our brothers, Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu, won’t be joining us to due to existing injuries.”
Folau, who had his Wallabies contract torn up in 2019, switched nationwide allegiance from Australia to Tonga and there was an expectation that the previous rugby league star would face a frosty reception throughout this autumn’s World Cup, had he attended.
But whereas Folau has missed, one other former Wallaby, Adam Coleman, has made the squad regardless of by no means enjoying for Tonga
Coleman, 31, performed 38 Tests for the Wallabies between 2016 and 2019, together with of their World Cup quarter-final exit in 2019.
His father Pau’u Afeaki captained Tonga’s rugby group in 1983 whereas cousin Inoke Afeaki performed within the 1995, 2003 and 2007 World Cups for Tonga making him eligible.
Source: www.news.com.au
