Israel Folau wants to bury the hatchet with Rugby Australia and play against the British and Irish Lions during their tour Down Under later this year. Six years after a bitter falling out over anti-gay religious memes Folau posted online - which led to his sacking by Rugby Australia and Folau successfully suing for wrongful dismissal and receiving a multi-million dollar payout - the former Wallabies star is keen to play for a Trans-Tasman invitational side against the UK tourists in July. The controversial posts remain online. The 35-year-old has been playing rugby in Japan since he left Australia, and if his wish is granted, the match in July would be his first on home soil in half a decade. “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 told 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.” Folau would need the all-clear from both Australia and New Zealand rugby officials, and his return is further complicated by the fact he switched his national allegiance to Tonga three years ago. While providing a big-name drawcard for the match, allowing Folau to play during the tour could be an unwanted distraction for Rugby Australia officials. Rugby Australia has yet to comment on Folau’s proposal.