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.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
time he will be a massive star.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
So true. Folau is a great long term investment. Wait for the RWC. If fully fit this
Rugby wizard
Guest
World cup less than a year away AAC can do the job for the wallabies,if it was 1st/2nd year after a world cup I would understand fans worrying about his age 34,what we will get from AAC is a terrific tackler at 13 and all world cup winning teams has had a great defender at 13,all the doubters will be proved wrong and AAC will be in wallaby team 2019 based on performance. But off the topic RA has a much bigger problem our talent are leaving early in their careers for example Kelleway and Browning,players leaving for Europe and Japan is not necessarily a bad thing just that they leaving very early,If a Foley and Genia had too not played super rugby in 2018 it would have allowed talents like Mason and Harrison Goddard opportunity,The problem is not the exodus of players but how early they leaving. The smartest thing RA can do is change eligibility rules and allow players who has had 5 or more years super rugby contract eligible,the 60 cap rule is a joke,gill was a servant long enough too rugby in Australia good enough too have gotten caps,he should be eligible considering he played rugby in Australia for a few years,the change in rule will keep talent in Australia longer.
coldturkey
Roar Rookie
So true.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Loved watching AAC but at 34 he isn't the future or even the present answer. RA would be better off giving Rocket Rod a contract and taking Andrew Deegan to Europe as a development player. Absolutely no forward planning whatsoever
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
And I thought that there was only one Clown in the Wallaby mix. Folau - "World Player of the Year" - a joke statement. You could get a position in a circus
Woodsman
Roar Rookie
I don't think you realise how little the Tahs internal back slapping matters to anyone outside of Sydney. That aside, what magical stats did he top? The official Sanzaar top 10s for the RC are as follows; Tries - Not even there Carries - Still not even on the board Clean break - You guessed it, not on the board Defenders beaten - Nice, equal 2nd Meters carried - Nope, not in the top 10 Offloads - Nup Points - nup Tackles won - nup lineouts -N/A Pull your head in John – embarrassing.
Gavin
Guest
Forget about the ABs. At the moment he is fortunate to be in the Wallabies starting lineup.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
"hard done by not winning world player of the year" That's funny stuff, right there.
Jeff
Guest
World player of the year ??? He wouldn't make the ABs as either a wing or a fullback !!!!
Crash Ball2
Guest
No disagreement here FMW. I think Cheika has wasted and sullied the Wallaby brand over several years. The players you mention are the tip of the iceberg and as long as Michael Cheika continues to preside over this non-representative national team, we will continue to stagnate. The fish rots from the head.
riddler
Roar Rookie
MH.. One hundred percent agree.. No way in heck do oz rugby need aac back..
John
Guest
lol Folau won Tahs player of the year despite missing 2-3 games and was top of the Rugby Champs stats playing a game less than everyone else. Last year he was hard done by not winning world player of the year. Pull your head in jcmasher - embarrasing.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Agree
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
TBH the way Folau has seemed so disinterested on the field this year who cares? He is the most over rated player in Australian rugby. Great athlete with 2 really good skills in catching a high ball and running in space. However, in the 6 years or so he’s played rugby he hasn’t learnt how to pass to the right, can’t kick off crap, doesn’t know where of when to position himself on the field and can’t tackle. Won’t actually miss him that much if he goes.
ForwardsWinMatches
Guest
Understood CB2 but replace those 3 names with any number of good players who would create a broader base and greater depth in some key areas.
Val
Guest
This article highlights a real worry for rugby in Australia, its fans and its lower level players. Firstly where is the value of signing AAC even for the Tahs, at 34 he is a short term fix for a problem that the Tahs don't really have. If the Tahs have spare cash then the Wallabies certainly don't so why invest in someone who no longer is an improvement on the existing players. Why not invest in more high quality coaching of established but young with potential Shute Shield players. My daughter trained with the South Australian AIS and they taught her proper running techniques, basketball moves specific to her position etc - all outside her training with club and state team and guess what she became a much better player!! Why can't rugby do the same? While RA seems excited about resigning Folau I am not certain that fans of the Wallabies who closely follow the game will be. I know I'm not keen on giving him a blank cheque anymore (he may be expecting more per season than Hooper which would really empty the bank account). The problem is that RA don't appear to have looked at the opportunity cost. If I sign Folau how many players will I lose? If I sign Folau how many games will he win for me over the players I lose? How many fans can Folau add to the gate? I'd certainly like to see Folau in the team (on the wing) but not at any cost!!!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Fingers crossed!
MH01
Guest
AAC - everything that is wrong with Australian rugby and player power , and we welcome him back with open arms. Want a poster child for player power and entitlement, AAC, great mentor for the current lot. And watch him just slot right back into the starting position . Izzy, good that he is staying , geez , his potential , if he was coached right when he made the switch, still fundamental issues in his game that have never been addressed, but the oz was was not to correct them , but make his a poster boy for oz rugby, guess we are all about dazzle and not basic skills
Charlie Turner
Guest
Well they'll have to stick a surcharge on the club fees or pay them with IOU's. I'm still in denial about Hoopers deal.....