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Code-hopping star Israel Folau is set to play for the Wallabies at the 2015 Rugby World Cup after signing a new two-year contract.
Folau, 24, gave new Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie’s program a big vote of confidence as he announced he would be staying with the Australian Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs.
“I’ve had a great experience with the Wallabies,” Folau said.
“We’ve got a young squad and a great coach and we’re building our game. We’re only going to get better.
“The Rugby World Cup is definitely a drawcard.
“To be a be part of that would be an awesome experience.”
The decision sets Folau up to exceed his achievements in rugby league, where he earned eight caps for Australia, including playing in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
“I had to weigh up a few things,” he told a press gathering in Sydney.
“At the end of the day I was enjoying my rugby and I’m happy there. There are a lot of things I still have to tick off in rugby.”
“The Rugby World Cup is definitely a draw card. To be a part of that would be an awesome experience, but that’s still a long time away and we’ve got a lot to achieve in the meantime.”
A fullback for the NSW Waratahs and winger for the Wallabies, Folau is enjoying an outstanding debut season in rugby union.
He was named Australian Super Rugby rookie of the year.
He has also impressed despite limited opportunities with the ball for the Wallabies, scoring three tries from his first five Tests.
Wallabies coach McKenzie said Folau had made a superb transition to rugby union.
“Every week we’re finding more and more ways to use his unique skills,” McKenzie said in a statement.
“There’s unlimited potential, he’s got a lot of really good attributes. He’s enigmatic, he just does things a bit differently and it allows us to use him in different ways.”
“There wasn’t so much a question mark about whether he would be able to make the transition, it was more about how long it would take and he’s certainly done it faster than most.”
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika lauded Folau’s first Super Rugby season, saying his signing-on would propel the NSW franchise forward next year.
“Israel Folau has had an incredible first season of rugby and to have him re-sign for a further two years with so many people in the market for his signature makes us extremely pleased,” Cheika said in a Waratahs statement.
“Israel is a quality player and a quality person and having this type of man playing in our team is only going to help us achieve our goals over the next two seasons.”
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.