Disgraced former Wallaby Israel Folau is aiming to make a comeback to Australian rugby following his homophobia scandal. The former international was sacked by Rugby Australia (RA) in 2019 after he posted a warning message to a list of people, including homosexuals, that "hell awaits them" if they do not repent. RA later apologised to Folau and avoided a court battle, with the rugby star getting a multi-million dollar settlement. Being a Christian, he argued the termination of his contract was based on religious discrimination. Folau has not played professional rugby in Australia since and featured for Tonga at the latest World Cup. He is currently on the books at Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks, alongside current Australia star Samu Kerevi. Speaking about the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, Folau says he would like to be involved in the trans-Tasman invitational side that'll lock horns with Andy Farrell's team on July 12, following the first Test against Australia. "If I was to get given that opportunity, it would be an awesome opportunity to play with guys that you used to play against, obviously the All Blacks, they're world-class players," Folau said to News Corp. "Getting a chance to run alongside them, and then obviously against the Lions, is huge. I've always been proud of being able to put that gold jersey on to represent the Wallabies. "I was fortunate enough to do it for a very long time. And I've got nothing negative against what's happened in the past. I still love the game over there. I enjoy the supporters and the fans. And if this was an opportunity that came about, it would be very exciting to play in front of Aussie supporters again." Now a father of two, Folau added how important it would be to play against the iconic side in front of his family. "Just thinking about it makes me a little bit emotional," he continued. "I think back 12 years ago, life's changed so much, obviously a lot of things happened. I've got kids now. Life's different, but if I do get the opportunity to play and my kids and my wife get to witness that, it would be definitely pretty special." After World Rugby announced new eligibility laws in 2022, Folau changed his international allegiance to Tonga ahead of the World Cup the following year. Considering this fact, Folau would need special exemption to take part in the invitational Australia and New Zealand side given he is technically Tongan. Now 35, Folau backs himself to perform in front of the Aussie crowd again. "I love playing in front of the fans over in Australia, I've done it for a long time," he continued "It would just be pretty special, if I was to get given the opportunity, to play in front of them again. But particularly at this level against the Lions, it would just be something quite special, to be honest. I still believe I am capable and ready to play at that level. I back myself every time I get on the field. "This year I've been up and down in terms of my injuries, but I'm fit and ready and I'll be back playing next week, so hopefully I can string some games all the way through to the end of the season and just see how the body holds up. But definitely the mind and the body are feeling good at the moment." Folau has played in rugby league and Aussie rules as well as Union, and made the permanent switch to the latter in 2013. He signed for New South Wales Waratahs and began playing for Australia, featuring against the Lions on the 2013 tour. He would go on to become a superstar of Union until his sacking in 2019. On the field, as well as being a talented attacking player, he'll be remembered by Wales and Lions fans for being picked up and carried by Welsh legend George North.