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The Waratahs have re-signed Bernard Foley on what they have termed a ‘flexible’ three-year deal, which will see him play with the Waratahs until the end of 2018.
The release also confirms he will be eligible for the Wallabies and Waratahs in every year of the deal.
Foley, under the terms of the flexible deal, will be able to spend two seasons playing in the Japanese league.
It was widely expected Foley would leave Australian shores to take the money overseas, but it seems the terms of this flexible deal will give Foley the opportunity to play in Japan while remaining available for Australian selection.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Foley was lost to the 15-man game, and that he would use his stint in Japan to resume his career in rugby sevens. There was no mention of that prospect in the release.
Foley was a crucial cog in the Waratahs’ Super Rugby title win last season, and played for the Wallabies as the first-choice fly half for much of the season after an unsuccessful experiment with Kurtley Beale under former coach Ewen McKenzie.
Foley said he was happy to stay with Australian Rugby and represent his country.
“I have an incredibly strong desire to continue representing Australia and the Waratahs, and this deal allows me to do that for at least another three years,” Foley said.
“I’d like to thank Australian Rugby and the Waratahs for understanding my desire to experience a new culture and Rugby environment in Japan, while continuing to provide me an opportunity for represent my State and Country.
Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said flexible contracting would be applied on a case-by-case basis.
“Flexible contracting is taken into consideration for exceptional circumstances, and I am confident that he will put his own well-being at the front of his priorities and thinking.” Cheika said.
“Bernard is a playmaker who is still yet to reach his full potential and we need our best players eligible for Australia – now and in the future.
“Bernard is one of many playmakers in Australian Rugby that will be vying for a Wallabies jumper over the next period. This is the environment we will be creating – where players can challenge one another and ultimately make the Wallabies program stronger.”
ARU CEO Bill Pulver was pleased with the result of the agreement, which allowed Foley to stay in Australian rugby.
“This contract reinforces Australian Rugby’s commitment to having its best future talent remain in Australia on a long-term basis, to ensure we have an elite provincial and Test product available for our fans,” Mr Pulver said.
“We are satisfied Bernard has a genuine aspiration to continue having a long and distinguished career in Australian Rugby, but we understand his short-term aspirations to play in the Japanese Top League.
“From a player welfare perspective, we’ll continue to work closely with the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) for innovative ways to improve the overall standard and safety of our players.”
Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said retaining Foley was crucial for the franchise.
“Bernard is an outstanding talent and an integral part of our team,” Harris said.
“It is essential for the Waratahs that we lock away the spine of the team and retaining Bernard, along with Nick Phipps, is a crucial part of this exercise.”
What do you think of this flexible deal Roarers? Is it the way to prevent an exodus from Australian shores?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.