Folau set for international rugby return with potential Irish World Cup opponents Tonga

Israel Folau will make his return to international rugby with Tonga, three years after his Wallabies contract was terminated over a controversial social media post.

The 33-year-old outside back was named in Tonga's squad on Friday for the Pacific Nations Cup tournament in July and a playoff for next year's World Cup in France.

Folau, an evangelical Christian, had his Australia contract torn up in 2019 after he posted a meme on social media which said "hell" awaits homosexuals and other groups.

He then sued governing body Rugby Australia for unlawful termination seeking A$14 million (49.28 million) in damages.

The case was settled out of court, with Rugby Australia and Folau issuing a joint statement and apology in late-2019.

Folau continued his professional rugby career, taking a contract with Japanese side Shining Arcs last year.

While he was born in Australia, both his parents are Tongan.

Tonga will meet Pacific Nations Cup hosts Fiji, Samoa and an Australia 'A' team at the 2-16 July tournament.

A week later, they face the winner of the Asia Rugby Championship in a one-match playoff to decide who will join South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and a team from the Europe 2 zone in Pool B at the World Cup.