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.
Ryanno
Guest
I've heard a few people say that Israel is great but not a great fullback, try him in the centres e.t.c. I agree he has work to do on his kicking game and defensive reads but seriously who in Australian Rugby could take his place? His attack and his safety under the high ball are far beyond anyone else.
Super-Human
Guest
Pretty sure if they play all their games and make it to the knockout they should both be sweet to rep from overseas.
Super-Human
Guest
Nothing left for him to win in League.
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Love Izzy but Latham and Roff were superior fullbacks...mainly Latham who was so mercurial it always made me wonder if he was an All Black lol..I think by the end of 2016 Folau could become Australia's best ever fullback in the professional era though..
Harry Jones
Expert
That's good news for ARU. I think he'd be a good fit at 12. The positional demands are simpler, he's a powerful runner in traffic, he has some kicking skills (but it's simpler kicking than at 15), and he would get a lot of touches in the first phases.
bennalong
Guest
Izzy is a joy to watch. His body type is unusual in rugby and gives his athleticism a balletic quality. He's one of the best running backs I have seen. I couldn't care less about intergenerational comparisons. Pointless. I loved Israel Dag at his best and he was better than Smith is now IMO. I love watching Ben Smith too, but would keep Izzy if a swap was offered. He's a great bloke!
Jerry
Guest
I've never seen Nepia, Scott, Wallace, Clark or McCormick play. But I can feel pretty confident in saying that Ben Smith is a better player than Alan Hewson or Leon MacDonald. And I'd probably say he's a better player than Mils or Gallagher too, though he hasn't had the longevity of Mils obviously. Having said that, he hasn't really had enough time at fullback at test level to be judged against them.
Chivas
Guest
Are you sure these fullbacks are better than Smith? I think if Smith was around in the amateur era, not many of the guys you mention would out point him with the possible exception of Nepia and Culken Outside goal kicking of which Hewson and Clarje had his measure. Across the park Smith is a far superior footballer in my view to most of the blokes you have listed. And before you jump in and say these guys would have all been better too had they played in the professional era, you simply don't know that or how, which is why it is difficult to compare across eras. I appreciate your comment is just a wind up, but it misses the mark by quite some margin in my humble opinion.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
You were going well until McDonald. Solid player but not in BS class.
PeterK
Roar Guru
You said Beale was looked after. He was made an offer, however I do not think that included an O/S option like Folau, Foley and McCalman. Also as far as I know Beale has not accepted it. Cooper was made a very good offer from the ARU, the reds withdrew their offer. So the same desire was shown to Cooper. The tahs cannot fit him in the salary cap, would it make you any happier if Cooper did sign with the tahs?
RobC
Roar Guru
Ah yes SBW. Hes done a bit of hopping. Kudos to him
steve
Guest
Peterk. Tell us more. The last I heard he lost his battle with the Reds and the Tahs arent interested with him and the ARU (as usual) were passing the buck. Not sure what you mean re McCallum or Beale. As far as I'm concerned Beale is lucky to be still playing.
Targa
Guest
George Nepia Bob Scott Christian Cullen Billy Wallace Don Clark Mils Muliana John Gallagher Alan Hewson Leon McDonald Fergie McCormick
PeterK
Roar Guru
ARU have an outstanding offer to Cooper McCalman got the same deal I did not read that Beale got one of the O/S deals.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Latham
steve
Guest
Great news....pity they couldn't show the same desire to keep Genia and Cooper. Then again, he plays for the Tahs and therefor has favoritism over all others. Before the knockers start Foley and Beale (texting guru) have also been looked after. If the ARU had any credibility they would be ensuring the code was strengthened by having 5 strong competitive Super rugby teams. Again happy for the Folau news
Machooka
Roar Guru
@ Blinky I'm pretty sure he'll be given a go in the centres next season at the Tahs. @ Targa I'm with @ Birdy on this one... name 'em !
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Got some stiff competition for that title though. Gould would be a strong candidate for mine. Burke was high quality as well. Perhaps Sheek could contribute some more names?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Great news that he not just staying in rugby but staying in the SH.
Birdy
Guest
Go on then Targa, I'll bite. So who are the 10 Kiwi fullbacks that have been better than Ben Smith?