Israel Folau

Controversial rugby star Israel Folau could be offered a place in the Tongan national side.

Former Wallaby Toutai Kefu is the head coach of Tonga and says Folau would be welcome in his team.

Kefu told the ABC he’d want to have Folau in the team.

Folau is waiting to find out just what penalty will be imposed by Rugby Australia after an independent panel found him guilty of a “high level” breach of his contract – for his controversial social media posts.

Folau’s parents are Tongan, but Kefu acknowledges World Rugby rules mean he would be unable to play on the International stage for three years.

Kefu admits Folau would need to take a massive pay cut as Tongan Rugby Union has no money, and they are 100 per cent funded by world rugby.