Israel Folau has officially extended his Wallabies and Waratahs careers, confirming a new four-year deal.
The divisive superstar said recently he hoped rugby fans would be able to move on in light of his intention to recommit to the code.
Folau’s series of anti-gay social media posts last year led to a firestorm and placed his career in Australian rugby in doubt.
However the agreement, announced on Saturday morning, will take him through until the end of 2022 – when he wil be 34 – and ensure the sought-after code-hopper spends at least 10 seasons in the 15-man code.
It’s understood he considered offers to return to the NRL, the Queensland Reds or even head overseas to Japan or Europe but ultimately his love for the Wallabies and Waratahs won over.
“I’m really grateful to Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for all they have done for me,” Folau said in a statement issued by NSW Rugby.
“The World Cup is a big target of mine this year and I believe this Wallabies group can go a long way if we keep on improving.
“I’ve also been very fortunate to win a title with the Waratahs in 2014 and looking at the squad right now with some of the young players we’ve got coming through, the future is very bright and I want to be a part of that.”
Having switched to union from league in 2013, Folau already has the fourth-most tries in Wallabies Test history with a strike rate of just over one touchdown in every two games he has played in the gold jersey.
Kane
Roar Guru
All this can’t pass rubbish comes from the fact he either can’t or won’t pass unless he absolutely has to. By that stage it’s usually classed as an offload padding his stats.
Kane
Roar Guru
Folau has scored against NZ in Australia. Most of his tries are beyond the point of ever winning. The only two that meant anything were Dunedin first up which they ended up losing and then later that year in Brisbane which they won. The other tries are when the All Blacks were too far ahead for it to matter. Think his try in the match they lost 54-34. They were down 54-6 Folaus try was in garbage time
Gloria
Roar Rookie
Where is all this ‘can’t pass’ rubbish coming from? He has a great offload which has resulted in many tries. Someone will have the offload stats, train?
CUW
Roar Rookie
i think there was a press report that certain rich people are helping to pay the salaries of top players to keep them in aussy i bet it happens in France for sure in most clubs - and perhaps in England as well
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Because you provide a donation via the Australian Rugby Fund, which meets the requirements.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I don't know anything about that. As far as I'm aware, but I'm not certain. Pulver did exactly that. Now people criticize them for having no marketing department, etc.
Hobbit Crusher
Guest
Hooper is the one constant garbage that is present in 99 percent of our losses and we don't need a Unzudder telling is how good he is, because we know they are all full of bluster
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Again though, some years Folau is devastating; other years it looks like he isn’t really all that bothered. In 2017 he was stunningly good, but in 2018 he was stunningly average for the Wallabies. It’s a strange thing.
Zulu
Roar Rookie
TWAS, I was under the impression that unless injured he’s required to be selected for train on squads and for games as per contracts and RUPA EBA - only way to not select him is to not pick him for a Super Rugby side as per QC? I’m probably wrong as usual. This situation really needs to change and be performance based ie. big crowd big money with a base wage established outside of sponsorship. Set percentages to cover costs and wages with allocations to grass roots. I reckon I could go into RA Headquarters, look at the descriptions on the phone list and ask a few pointed questions as to what people do and have a 30% cull. Straight out money gain would be directed to controlled grass roots input. But then again I’m probably dribbling ????
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Maybe now that he has a four year contract, Izzy will tackle more than once a game and won’t get that look of pure panic at every hamstring twinge.
RogerTA
Roar Rookie
How is it that you can get a tax deduction for contributing to a players salary?
Bluesfan
Personally think Stats can be deceptive Shane Williams played the AB's 7 times and scored one try. Noting that 5 of those games were in Wales, were he had home ground advantage. Folau by comparision has played the AB's 22 times for 5 tries and all tries were scored away in NZ/Japan 2018. So who has the better stats against the No.1 ranked team in the World over their playing career? Surely you should measure results against the best team in the world and the home/away record? On those results - Folau is a bit of a handful for the AB's, especially when you consider that the AB's game plan would be not to give Folau to much time/space because of the damage he can cause and yet he still scores effectively every 1 in 4 games.
Dan
Guest
Foleau is a great centre prob get in most world sides But maybe his egg and cup are one and the same block up and comers get leaguies in
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Folau didn’t pass vs Argentina; Foley didn’t pass (until much too late) vs Ireland.
cinque
Roar Rookie
Spooky isn't it. The only reason we lost to Argentina is because Folau didn't pass to an unmarked Foley 5m from the line.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Or given he won’t go back overseas, they won’t need to offer him as much as he’s on now to stay.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Wasn’t that Falou?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I'll bet that the next nose in the trough will be Genia. He's just a bit done but he'll seek a 3 or 4 year deal as well. That would be even worse than Folau. We've got 2 up and comers now with Gordon and Powell. Willie G won't go back overseas as he already returned early. The ball is heavily in the court of RA.
Glider
Guest
sigghhhhh - another waste. He hasn't really played an outstanding game in the last two years. he is lazy in defence and most often his head has not been in the game with social media taking precedence. catching the odd high ball doesn't make him the best player in the Australian team ..... people calling him the best player is an absolute stretch. Far from it - another four years of waste
DC NZ
Guest
The dude that lost a test match for Aus because he was too greedy and didn’t pass the ball to Foley. In NZ most wingers are replaced by age 30, if not earlier. This is a great signing for the Bledisloe Cup holders. Four more years !