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The Roar

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Israel Folau sticks with Australian Rugby

Izzy, you're right. Australia should keep focus on the main trophy available this year. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
1st July, 2015
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Israel Folau has signed a three-year deal to remain with the Australian Rugby Union and NSW Waratahs until the end of 2018.

The 26-year-old fullback has agreed to a flexible contract which allows him to play overseas outside of the Super Rugby season and Wallabies Test commitments.

Former rugby league star and AFL player Folau has been in huge demand from French rugby and NRL clubs and confirmation of his long-awaited deal to stay in union comes as a huge relief to the Wallabies.

Folau rejected suggestions he’d simply taken the biggest deal on the table.

“There was a number of things I had to consider to make the decision,” Folau said.

“First and foremost, was how I felt on the footy field. I really enjoy playing the game and that’s why I decided to go another three years.

“Overall, as a package with the game, both and off the field has been great for me. The community (rugby) have been embraced me and that’s something that I’ve really enjoyed and I’m looking forward to continuing that over the next three years.

Japan is on the radar as Folau’s overseas destination, but he said that was still being negotiated.

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“There’s nothing that’s official yet in terms of that flexible contract. In terms of going overseas, but my management are working through it at the moment, but my priority was to make sure that my Waratahs and ARU stuff was sorted first before looking at that.”

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