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.
“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.”
Mike Julz
Guest
Are there any clauses in his contract? The option of opting out anytime? Because if it does, he might be tempted to go back to league, maybe after his 2nd year in his contract. Just saying. But other than that, a good signing for Australian rugby and for rugby itself.
AndyS
Guest
Hadn't seen it at the time, but I think this...http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/nsw-waratahs-flyer-israel-folau-signs-threeyear-deal-with-australian-rugby-20150701-gi24ov...encapsulated it nicely. I think it is at least as much about what he isn't for League than what he is for Union. The observation that it was the NRL that made him famous and he likes Union against all expectation having come to it as third choice is hardly the most ringing of endorsements, is it? Which code really comes out of that looking better...?
John
Guest
Famous for being famous! His league history shows 84 tries from 104 games for club, state and country by 21 years of age. NRL Premiership, three State of Origin series, World Rookie of the Year, Dally M Winger of the Year, Dally M Centre of the Year and youngest player ever to play for the Kangaroos. Two years in union = Super Rugby Premiership, Super Rugby Player of the Year, John Eales Medallist for ARU Player of the Year and highest single-season try scorer in Waratahs and Wallabies history. Cheer up AndyS!
AndyS
Guest
I'm glad he's staying I guess, but am a bit ambivalent that the "name" player of Australian rugby is a back three player and only been in the game a few years. He is not respected for his long term commitment to Australian rugby or his massive contribution to the success of the Wallabies, it is more he is famous for being famous (and even then largely for achievements in another sport). Good player no doubt, but he is more a celebrity than a legend of the game and I'm not entirely sure the dependence on him really reflects that well on the code.
Taylorman
Guest
I wonder if Folau has resigned? Perhaps we need another article to confirm it? Oh wait, hang on...
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
It's all money and good on him . Don't kid yourself he loves the sport more than league.
Digs
Guest
A nice Canary Yellow with some blotches of green
Digs
Guest
This is a big win for rugby and starts to show that the ARU leveraging the international buying power of the game can outbid anything league puts forward. I'm a big fan of Folau and he will only get better and better the more games he plays. Great confidence boost before the World Cup and well done Cheika and co. I hope now that he's the wallabies coach this practical approach maintains some of our other senior players (especially in the pigs! and QC!)
Paul
Guest
I think we need more stories about this. I mean, what colour pen did he use?
PeterK
Roar Guru
you would be in a very small minority holding that view
flying hori
Guest
Now hes staying, he should play wing, not a very good full back, will get exposed more in the RC and RWC, Joc is by far a better and more dangerous option at fullback.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I have to be careful here... but I would have thought he has more freedom playing rugby than league. Less structure in tackle sets etc... He also probably wouldn't be the big fish in league that he is in rugby either. He has basically become the face of everything in rugby in Australia, to the point of saturation... I am glad he is staying.