'Devastated' Folau's World Cup dream dashed

By Sam Worthington with AP

A "devastated" Israel Folau has been ruled retired of the Rugby World Cup aft failing to flooded a genu wounded successful clip to ace Tonga's squad.

Folau, 34, had reignited his planetary vocation nether Tonga manager Toutai Kefu aft being sacked by Rugby Australia successful 2019 for sharing homophobic views connected societal media.

Folau scored 37 tries successful 73 Tests for the Wallabies and was acceptable to beryllium a cardinal cog successful Tonga's World Cup campaign.

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Wallabies fable Kefu said Folau was "devastated" astatine missing out.

"Unfortunately a mates of our brothers, Israel Folau and Telusa Veainu, won't beryllium joining america to owed to existing injuries," Kefu said.

"It's a squad I'm precise arrogant to manager and I cognize each the players are looking guardant to representing their families and each Tongans astir the globe with pride."

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Former Wallabies fastener Adam Coleman was picked adjacent though he's yet to play for Tonga portion Kefu included 5 erstwhile All Blacks successful Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Vaea Fifita and George Moala.

Moala was chosen adjacent though he's owed to miss the archetypal 2 World Cup games due to the fact that of a five-game suspension that helium is appealing.

Moala was reddish carded for a extremity tackle against Canada connected August 10 and his entreaty proceeding is connected Thursday.

Coleman played 38 Tests for the Wallabies from 2016-19, including their quarter-final exit astatine the past World Cup.

His begetter Pau'u Afeaki captained Tonga successful 1983 earlier dying erstwhile Coleman was 12.

The 2nd rower hasn't been disposable for Tonga portion moving to France from erstwhile nine London Irish, which folded past season.

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Captain and halfback Sonatane Takulua precocious became the archetypal Tonga subordinate to scope a fractional period of caps, and is 1 of 2 players on with hooker Paula Ngauamo acceptable to look successful their 3rd World Cup.

Tonga's World Cup run starts against Ireland successful Nantes.

Matches travel 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