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A “devastated” Israel Folau has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after failing to overcome a knee injury in time to crack Tonga’s squad.
Folau, 34, had reignited his international career under Tonga coach Toutai Kefu after being sacked by Rugby Australia in 2019 for sharing homophobic views on social media.
Folau scored 37 tries in 73 Tests for the Wallabies and was set to be a key cog in Tonga’s World Cup campaign.
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Wallabies legend Kefu said Folau was “devastated” at missing out.
“Unfortunately a couple of our brothers, Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu, won’t be joining us to due to existing injuries,” Kefu said.
“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.”
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Former Wallabies lock Adam Coleman was picked even though he’s yet to play for Tonga while Kefu included five former All Blacks in Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Vaea Fifita and George Moala.
Moala was chosen even though he’s due to miss the first two World Cup games because of a five-game suspension that he is appealing.
Moala was red carded for a tip tackle against Canada on August 10 and his appeal hearing is on Thursday.
Coleman played 38 Tests for the Wallabies from 2016-19, including their quarter-final exit at the last World Cup.
His father Pau’u Afeaki captained Tonga in 1983 before dying when Coleman was 12.
The second rower hasn’t been available for Tonga while moving to France from former club London Irish, which folded last season.
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Captain and halfback Sonatane Takulua recently became the first Tonga player to reach a half century of caps, and is one of two players along with hooker Paula Ngauamo set to appear in their third World Cup.
Tonga’s World Cup campaign starts against Ireland in Nantes.
Matches follow against Scotland, South Africa and Romania.
TONGA SQUAD
Forwards: Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Vaea Fifita, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, Solomone Funaki, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Havili Talitui, Tau Kolomatangi, Paula Latu, Samiuela Lousi, Sitiveni Mafi, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Paula Ngauamo, Semisi Paea, Ben Tameifuna, Sione Vailanu
Backs: Sonatane Takulua (c) Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Solomone Kata, Otumaka Mausia, George Moala, Manu Paea, Charles Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Kyren Taumoefolau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Anzelo Tuitavuki
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
