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Israel Folau’s future in rugby is set to be confirmed in the following weeks, with the high-profile Wallaby looking more and more likely to sign a new contract with Rugby AU and the Waratahs.
Folau comes off contract at the end of the year and the star winger/fullback has been the subject of much conjecture in 2018, with speculation he could consider a return to the NRL or head overseas for a lucrative stint in Japanese or European rugby – or even switch states and join the Queensland Reds.
However, according to the Sydney Morning Herald’s Georgina Robinson, Folau is on the verge of putting any rumours about his future to bed by putting pen to paper on a three-year deal to stay in Australian rugby with the Waratahs.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika earlier expressed his hope that the contract will be signed later this week.
Such a contract will keep Folau in the Australian set-up for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, with fellow Waratah Bernard Foley also set to sign a contract extension to stay with the Wallabies and NSW for the tournament. Foley’s deal is reportedly likely to be just for the next 12 months, paving the way for an overseas stint after Japan 2019.
One player who could be joining those two Australian regulars in Japan next year is Adam Ashley-Cooper, with the veteran utility believed to be keen on a return to Australia ahead of what would be his fourth World Cup campaign.
That’s a move the Waratahs would be open to, with Rugby NSW CEO Andrew Hore telling Fairfax Media they would consider bringing back the 34-year-old.
“Adam Ashley-Cooper has expressed an interest,” he said. “We think in a year such as a World Cup year, where depth is going to be important, that we can see merit in Adam coming back. Everyone speaks very highly of his character and leadership is a valuable asset.
“Those discussions are live so we will see where that goes.”
Ashley-Cooper has been playing in Japan with the Kobe Steelers and hasn’t represented Australia since earning his 116th Test cap against New Zealand in 2016.
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.