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Israel Folau has penned a three-year extension to his contract with Australian Rugby Union, which will see him remain a Waratahs and Wallabies player through until the end of the 2018 season.
The extension will be welcome news for Waratahs and Wallabies fans who feared Folau may be tempted by rival overseas leagues.
The deal also all but locks the 26-year-old code-hopper to rugby union for the remainder of his career, seeing him through until beyond 29 years of age.
Details of Folau’s decision were revealed at a press conference on Wednesday.
Folau said he was thrilled to have his long-term future finalised with Australian Rugby.
“I’ve already had so many great moments and experiences in Rugby over the past few years, but I feel like I am still just scratching the surface of what I am capable of, which is something that really excites me,” Folau said.
“Michael Cheika has also created a team environment which players really want to be part of, and that for me was one of the most important things when weighing up my future.
“He has created a culture that is extremely hard to walk away from, but just as importantly, it’s an environment which challenges you every day to be a better player and person.
“In the end, there is still so much I want to achieve playing Rugby in Australia and am thrilled to now have my contract sorted through until the end of 2018.”
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver said re-signing Folau on a long-term deal was a significant moment for the code in Australia.
“There is no denying Israel’s extraordinary talent on the field, but equally impressive is the way he represents himself and the game off the field,” Mr Pulver said.
“There are a lot of young boys and girls playing in schools and junior rugby that want to be next Israel Folau. He is the ultimate role model for aspiring young rugby players and a great ambassador for Australian Rugby. Rugby as a whole will benefit immensely from Israel’s ongoing presence in the game.”
For Waratahs fans still reeling following their disappointing semi-final loss to the Highlanders at Moore Park on Saturday night, the news provides a big confidence boost looking towards the 2016 season.
Folau has played 45 games for the Waratahs and 29 Tests for the Wallabies since leaving the Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2013.
The Wallabies kick-off their Rugby Championship campaign against the Springboks on July 18 at Suncorp Stadium.
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.