Three years after playing his final Test for the Wallabies, Israel Folau will make his return to international rugby in July’s Pacific Nations Cup.

Folau has been named in Tonga’s squad for the tournament in July as well as the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

MORE: Forgotten Bok just keeps on rolling

The 33-year-old played the last of his 73 Tests for the Wallabies in November 2018, before Rugby Australia terminated his contract in May 2019 for controversial social media posts.

Recent changes to World Rugby’s eligibility laws allow players to change national teams after 36 months of inactivity. This means that Folau, whose parents are from Tonga, is able to represent the national team this year.

Folau is playing club rugby for the Shining Arcs in Japan under former Waratahs coach Rob Penney, having also spent time with Super League side the Catalan Dragons.

Tonga is scheduled to play their first international against Fiji on 2 July.

“He’s going to bring a lot of experience to the table,” Tonga coach and former Wallaby Toutai Kefu told ABC Radio Australia.

“His presence is going to be one of the most exciting factors we’re looking forward to.”

Folau is not the only newcomer to Tonga’s squad as former All Blacks back Charles Piutau has also been named under the changed eligibility rules.

“Things seem to be coming together at the right time,” Kefu said.

“We’ve still go some more individuals to come into the squad, so it’s only going to get better.”

Photo: Getty Images