Never again: Clubs take drastic action amid Israel Folau saga
Super League club officials have unanimously voted to prevent teams from making controversial signings following the furore over Israel Folau's move to Catalans.
Representatives of 11 of the 12 clubs were present for the monthly meeting in Salford, with only Bernard Guasch, chairman of the French side, absent.
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Other clubs specifically requested the presence of Guasch, who has come under fire following the recruitment of former Wallabies star Folau, which went against the wishes of Super League and the Rugby Football League.
The issue also angered most of the clubs and Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell went as far to write a letter to the Catalans warning them of possible legal consequences if his club lost out financially if sponsors withdrew support due to Folau.
"Super League has clearly and consistently outlined its position on Israel Folau," Super League CEO Robert Elstone said in a statement.
"With the season underway, we now feel it is important for Super League to separate what is an off-field matter from what is happening on the field.
"The Super League Board accepts the legalities around the RFL's decision to register Israel Folau, and the board has voted unanimously to put in place measures that ensure the Super League has greater authority to stop controversial signings such as this in the future.
"As a sport we have an impressive and enviable track record when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion and we will continue our great work in those areas."
Folau arrived in Perpignan from Australia last weekend to begin training with his new teammates ahead of Sunday's round-two fixture at Wakefield.
The former NSW Waratahs fullback has not played any rugby since last April and it is 10 years since his last league match for Brisbane.
However, the Catalans are short of outside backs due to injuries and coach Steve McNamara may name him in his 21-man squad on Friday.
Folau breaks silence
Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday, and avoiding any reference to the controversy, Folau said he was "super-excited" to be back in the game he grew up playing and looking forward to the challenge.
"It's been 10 years since I last played rugby league and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of a great organisation, great team," he said.
"I miss that team camaraderie, the team environment and being around your team mates and being able to train with your team."
Dragons head coach Steve McNamara told Sky TV that the club knew Folau's signing would be controversial but they had needed to fill a position.
"We looked in France and England and overseas, in the southern hemisphere both in rugby league and rugby union. We went down the route of investigating a fair few players and Israel's name was on the list.
"And having spent a lot of time speaking to him and understanding him a lot more, and getting the reassurances that we did, we made a decision as a club that we would support the signing of Israel and give him another opportunity in our game."
Israel Folau has begun training with his new teammates in the south of France and could make his Super League debut as soon as Sunday at Wakefield.
