Old friends of Israel Folau claim they are struggling to recognise the rebranded star.
Folau and his new entourage – which The Australian newspaper labelled "the merry band of preachers, spinmeisters, lawyers and advisers" – is causing the former Wallaby to grow increasingly distant from the people he used to rub shoulders with, according to two of his friends and rugby associates.
In an article by The Australian, a former rugby associate of Folau said the statements issued by Folau and his team lately does not "sound like the Izzy I know".
The anonymous associate also said his interviews with broadcaster Alan Jones were "heavily scripted".
Another former close friend and rugby associate said Folau, who he described as a "gentle, simple man", is becoming increasingly influenced by a Melbourne PR outfit, Civic Reputation.
