'It's a step closer now' - Folau brothers open up about dream of playing together

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau and brother John Folau are one step closer to achieving their “dream” of playing together for the Waratahs.

24-year-old John Folau has crossed codes from rugby league to rugby union after three years in the NRL, and has latched on to older brother Israel’s Super Rugby side.

The pair discussed their hopes of playing together in a video interview on Rugby Australia’s official website.

“For me it almost felt like you were going to high school and your younger brother is just starting high school, you kind of have to look after him,” Israel Folau said.

“That’s how I felt. Make sure he had his lunch, I had to bring his lunch and stuff. Monday and Tuesday was like that. But I forget he is a grown man and he has kids. I don’t even have any kids.”

Israel Folau, 29, is also a rugby league convert after switching from the sport to Australian Rules before finally settling in union in 2013. He is now a 71-test Wallaby and younger brother John will be hoping to follow in his footsteps.

“It’s a step closer now,” John Folau said. “We trained together for the first time this week, and it’s something I will remember.

“If I get the opportunity to play alongside him, that’s something I can take with me for the rest of my life.”

The Waratahs gave John a one-year Super Rugby contract late last year.

“Seeing Izzy coming into rugby and start to enjoy it, was a big thing for me in deciding on a change,” John said.

“I think I needed a fresh start.”

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