Controversial code-hopping star Israel Folau has confirmed his professional sporting career is over.

Folau, who has played at the highest level in rugby league, rugby union and aussie rules football, has never been far away from the limelight during his career, famously having his Rugby Australia contract torn up in 2019.

The talented outside back, who played at representative level in both the 13-man and 15-man code, almost returned to the NRL last year after going close to signing a train and trial deal with the Wests Tigers.

Prior to that, he had also been linked to the St George Illawarra Dragons, and most recently played top level sport in Japanese rugby union.

The now 37-year-old played 106 rugby league games across his time with the Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and Catalans Dragons, while he also had 5 Origins for Queensland and 8 Tests for Australia.

In rugby union, he played 96 games for the Waratahs and another 20 in Japan, as well as 73 Tests for Australia and 2 for Tonga, while in a short-lived AFL stint, he played 13 games for the GWS Giants.

Speaking to News Corp though, he confirmed his professional career is over.

“Yeah, I'm done now. I'm not looking for any other opportunity in terms of playing at that level,” he confirmed to CODE Sports.

“I guess I'm still sort of processing it now. Still very fresh, I guess. It hasn't really sunk in just yet.

“I look across my time playing the game, I was very blessed to play at the highest level for even that long.

“It's not common for players to get to play at that level for that long. I'm very thankful and grateful for the career I've gotten to have.

Israel Folau drawing plenty of interest from NRL clubs
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 26: Israel Folau of the Wallabies during The Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australia Wallabies at Forsyth Barr Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

“I think maybe in a year's time it will sink in a bit more and you sit back and reflect. At the moment I'm still going through that process.”

Folau has signed with the Gold Coast Nines competition, in a team run by Eddy Pettybourne, while he also is open to playing local football next year.

“I'd definitely be open to playing a bit of local footy,” he continued.

“I still feel fit and healthy. It's great to have a run around but also give back to grassroots footy.

“With the Nines it's just a bit of fun, supporting Eddy, supporting Ant (Mitchell, tournament founder), the concept of Nines and the EZ Squad,” Folau said.

“Just a good weekend to play a bit of footy.”