Israel Folau

7th Tackle can reveal Folau married his NZ-based fiancé, Maria Tutaia, yesterday. The wedding took place before a select number of guests on a private property in Kangaroo Valley, around two hours south of Sydney.

The timing of yesterday’s ceremony could not have been more ironic, given Folau’s public stance against gay marriage. The devout Mormon caused a storm last month when he tweeted his views against the law change.

Folau has topped the medal count, which is voted on by players on a 3-2-1 basis after each Test from Spring Tour to the final Bledisloe, for the third time in just five seasons in rugby, finishing with 260 votes, ahead of Kurtley Beale (166), Bernard Foley (146), Michael Hooper (142) and Sean McMahon (129)

The fullback, who is set to go on sabbatical after this weekend's Barbarians clash, was one of just four players to have won it twice before this season - alongwith George Smith, Nathan Sharpe and current skipper Michael Hooper.

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has rejected a short-term contract, understood to be worth A$500,000 (NZ$560,000), to play in Japan. Instead, opting to spend some much needed time with his fiancee, Silver Ferns star Maria Tutaia.

Folau, who earns more than A$1 million (NZ$1.1m) annually on his ARU contract, was set to join Japan's cashed up Panasonic Wild Knights team under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans as part of a clause in his deal, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Folau, who earns more than A$1 million (NZ$1.1m) annually on his ARU contract, was set to join Japan's cashed up Panasonic Wild Knights team under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans as part of a clause in his deal, according to the Daily Telegraph.

"We're both just having time off, we haven't figured out a wedding date yet, but it's pretty hard at the moment because of our seasons," Folau told the Daily Telegraph.

 "We're not in a rush to get things done, we're just really trying to enjoy our time together because we don't get a lot of that together."

Folau had the opportunity to play club rugby in Japan over the summer as part of his flexible contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

But after a discussion with Cheika several months ago, the 28-year-old fullback decided it was in his best interests to step away from the game completely - meaning he won't be involved in the Wallabies' test matches against Japan, Wales, England and Scotland to finish the season.

Before taking a break, Folau will suit up for the Wallabies against the Barbarians at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. 

Folau sparked a Twitter backlash by revealing he will not support gay marriage, becoming the first high-profile sportsperson to have publicly announced their opposition.

It came after numerous sporting organisations -- including the Australian Rugby Union -- declared their support for a 'yes' vote in the government's postal survey.

Folau's views are also at odds with outspoken former Test skipper David Pocock while current captain Michael Hooper has also voiced his support for gay marriage this week.

Folau tweeted: "I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage."

He was immediately inundated with dozens of replies criticising him for his stance.

Folau is believed to be the first high-profile sportsperson to have publicly announced their opposition to same-sex marriage.

It comes after numerous sporting organisations - including the Australian Rugby Union, the NRL, Cricket Australia and Football Federation Australia - declared their support for a 'yes' vote in the government's postal survey.

Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau will be reunited on Saturday night, and it didn’t take much for the fullback to show exactly why Beale’s return is so anticipated by Australia.

One of Australia’s most prolific Test finishers can’t wait to have his Waratahs teammate back,  just for the flow-on of confidence the utility has in a side.

“You grow that extra leg when you know you have him beside you. He brings a lot more confidence to your game and it’s exciting,” Folau said.

“Guys like KB they don’t come around too often.

He can understand the frustration but strongly believes that it's only a matter of time before the Wallabies produce some high quality rugby.

"Personally, I didn't have a read (of Quigley's post)," he said.

"Only because I believe in the group that we have here and the team that we have, the coaching staff and all the work that goes in.

"I just think personally, as well, I'm sure he's a great guy but everyone is always going to have an opinion - whether that's good or bad.

He and fellow player Manu Vatuvei are the faces on the posters for the Road to Redemption tour, which ends in Auckland on Thursday night.

Kaniva New reports born to Tongan parents in New South Wales, Folau played rugby league for the Melbourne Storm in the Australia National Rugby League from 2007 to 2008 and for the Brisbane Broncos from 2009 to 2010.