Israel Folau has connected the bushfires tormenting Australia to the country's same-sex and abortion laws (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
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CNN  — 

Former Wallabies player Israel Folau, who was embroiled in controversy after an anti-gay post on social media, has returned to rugby union after agreeing to sign for NTT Communications Shining Arcs, the Japanese outfit said on Monday.

In 2019, Folau reached a settlement with Rugby Australia after being sacked for an Instagram post in which he said “hell awaits” gay people.

He also suggested that Australia’s bushfires and droughts in 2019 were punishments from God for the country’s same-sex and abortion laws.

Rugby League - Super League - St Helens v Catalans Dragons - Emerald Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 2, 2020 Catalans Dragons' Israel Folau who stands as players kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign before the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Rugby League - Super League - St Helens v Catalans Dragons - Emerald Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 2, 2020 Catalans Dragons' Israel Folau who stands as players kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign before the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Carl Recine/Action Images/Reuters

Related article Israel Folau remains standing as other players take a knee on Super League's return

A devout Christian, Folau made 73 appearances for Australia’s rugby union side but switched back to rugby league last year, signing for Super League side Catalans Dragons.

The move was strongly condemned from both within the rugby world and in wider society.

The Rugby Football League – the sport’s governing body – said allowing the signing had been a “difficult decision” and deplored the player’s previous comments.

Folau’s new side, NTT Communications Shining Arcs, play in Japan’s Top League.

It comes a week after Folau resumed his career in Australia, registering to play for amateur rugby league club Southport Tigers, according to Reuters.