Rugby Star Israel Folau Cancelled for Second Time Due to Religious Views

Israel Folau of Catalans Dragons warms up prior to the Betfred Super League match between Hull FC and Catalan Dragons at KCOM Stadium in Hull, England on March 1, 2020. Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

The St. George Illawarra Dragons rugby league team have backflipped on signing star player Israel Folau after backlash from sponsors in response to controversy over Folau’s religious views which he expressed on social media in 2019.

On Tuesday, the Dragons said they made inquiries to the National Rugby League (NRL) about pursuing the code-hopping, 31-year-old star in a two-year deal from 2021.