Israel Folau expected to split with Catalans Dragons and chase rugby union return
Israel Folau has returned Down Under and has failed to report back to his French club Catalan Dragons, fuelling speculation that he is set for another switch to rugby union.
The controversial code-hopping star brought his family to Australia during the Christmas break but was expected to return to France for a second season of Super League after joining the club last year.
Catalans resume training in less than two weeks and the club hasn't heard from Folau, fearing he won't fulfill his rich contract with the club this season.
"It doesn't look good," a Catalans official told Wide World of Sports. "The feeling is he won't be back."
Israel Folau playing for Catalans Dragons. Getty
Folau was involved in an ugly nine-month legal battle with Rugby Australia after he continued to air his controversial views on gay marriage and other issues, before returning to league with Catalans last July.
There is no chance of the 31-year-old returning to rugby in Australia as a result of that but he is in hot demand in French rugby, with wealthy clubs Toulon and Bayonne keen on signing him.
