Israel Folau has reportedly put months of contract uncertainty behind him, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the former league and AFL star had signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Wallabies and Waratahs until 2022.
The 29-year-old has played union since 2013, making 73 appearances for the Waratahs and 69 for the Wallabies over that span. He previously played for the GWS Giants in the AFL for one season, enjoying a 91-game career in the NRL with Melbourne and Brisbane before that.
According to reports, the contract extension had been finalised some time ago, but Rugby Australia chose to delay the announcement after Folau’s controversial comments on gay marriage caused significant controversy on social media.
At the time, Folau told Players’ Voice he was prepared to quit rugby union altogether if it came to that.
“I told Raelene [Castle, Rugby Australia CEO,] if she felt the situation had become untenable – that I was hurting Rugby Australia, its sponsors and the Australian rugby community to such a degree that things couldn’t be worked through – I would walk away from my contract, immediately,” he said at the time.
Eventually, Folau escaped sanction for his comments – paving the way for the relationship to be repaired and a new deal to be signed.
Folau had received significant interest from the Reds, but resisted their overtures to stay at the NSW club.
While most of the Australian side have contracts expiring at the end of the World Cup season next year, Folau is one of a handful of players to have put pen to paper on deals beyond 2019.
Captain Michael Hooper is contracted well beyond the end of next season, as is Allan Alaalatoa.
MORE TO COME
In Brief
Guest
I loathe RA as much as the next man, but Folau is without doubt our best backline player at the moment and guy we cannot afford to lose. All petty jealousy aside, that should be pretty obvious. I think non-Aussies get it.
Hertryk
Roar Rookie
For an organisation that claims its broke how can they afford this? Why was the Force dropped again... AH! Yes no one REALLY knows...
Lano
Roar Guru
his best is behind him and he continues to disappoint.....I think that's where'he act. No doubt about his class, just application right now...
piru
Roar Rookie
I dunno, I think that's what I was thinking at the time but I guess in retrospect it's not necessarily a problem. More that the same 3 players are the ones standing up, what's everyone else doing?
piru
Roar Rookie
Frank and that's the nail on the head - there's no incentive for him to do anything but he already does
piru
Roar Rookie
I reckon the tall one would make a decent lock
Stu
Roar Rookie
So guarantee his pay 3 years early?
Stu
Roar Rookie
Meanwhile, Banks at fullback shows blistering pace, determination and technique twice in a game to make long distance try saving stunning tackles at the death, that a Wallaby hasn't made for ten years, and they still don't pick him. I'm no expert, but that just seems unfathomably stupid.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
According to the Australian the contract is worth at least $3 million. So that's $2.25 million to two players a year for the next four years at least. Others should look at going overseas and cashing in.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
Hi Cliff they are related to my comment just above in response to big baz's comments.
rebel
Roar Guru
Dennis, don't worry, Gloria's 'massive circle of rugby loving friends and acquaintances' include Drongo and Zero Gain who also don't like anonymous posters, non- Wallaby supporters, Kiwis booing, actually kiwis in general, Brad Thorn etc. Kind of puts it into perspective.
Machpants
Roar Guru
To cover what positions?
P2R2
Roar Rookie
But Bakkies...look who replaced those players....momentum wasn't lost...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
...sadly he goes absent a lot....Reiko stood him up easy....I actually think he should take up a career with the Cloth....seems that is where his future lies...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
...certain limitations....try alot of limitations...
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
I just put a comment on Bakkies comments - two of Bakkies comments in a row were moderated. I stated "Bakkies you are not having a good run mate"!
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Bakkies, you are not having a good run at all mate!!!
Cliff Bishkek
Roar Rookie
Fionn, not sold at all on all of the above comments. FB, cannot kick, positional play does not understand, tackling poor, passing poor, breaking the first tackle - occasionally. Winger, poor tackling, positional play poor, does not go looking for work as a roving winger, chip kick and inside kick poor, passing poor. Centre, defence very poor, tackling as a 13 very bad, breaking a tackle at 13 - rarely. I would not have him in the team. Waste of money and better players are available in all positions. Pampered and petted.
Bakkies
Roar Guru
and apparently reports lodged with the Federal regulator are also taboó.
Don
Roar Rookie
Jangala Bennet was a Rugby League junior from age 6 to 16 who was given a scholarship at Nudgee and played 2 years of Rugby. It's what some private schools can do for indigenous kids. The kid was not a Rugby junior albeit a really good talent. We shouldn't be blaming the ARU for not being able to retain him.