Bernard Foley has quit Super Rugby after 119 games in the NSW Waratahs’ Sky Blue to pursue opportunities overseas.
Foley confirmed the news prior to the Wallabies’ trip to South Africa for their opening Rugby Championship fixture, speaking with NSW Rugby Union about his decision.
“It’s not been an easy decision and one that took a great deal of thought, but to be moving on from the Waratahs is certainly a bittersweet feeling,” Foley said.
“It’s been a privilege to represent this great state and my family and friends. I’d like to thank the coaches who have supported me and the teammates I’ve played with over the years.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time here, but I’ve got a new challenge in front of me and I’m looking forward to that as well.”
Beginning his career in sevens, Foley was a silver medallist with the Australian Men’s Team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and was named the 2011 Australian Sevens Player of the Year.
The 29-year-old made his Super Rugby debut against the Blues in Auckland in 2011 and sits inside the top ten on the Waratahs’ all-time appearance list and is the most-capped flyhalf in the organisation’s history.
After impressing at Super Rugby level Foley earned his first of 67 Test caps against Argentina in 2013, and sits within an illustrious group of players to have scored more than 500 Test points.
Foley will forever remain in Tahs folklore after delivering the state’s first Super Rugby Championship, courtesy of a heart-stopping injury time penalty to down the Crusaders at 33-32 at Allianz Stadium.
NSW Rugby Union’s General Manager of Rugby, Tim Rapp thanked Foley for the contribution he has made to the Waratahs.
“Bernard has been an important part of the Waratahs for the best part of a decade,” Rapp said.
“We’re obviously disappointed to see him go but it’s a competitive marketplace, particularly at the end of a World Cup cycle. Everyone at NSW Rugby wishes Bernard all the best at both the World Cup and in the next chapter in his career.”
Lara
Guest
Foley may not be the perfect 10, but he is more than adequate. He is a clever operator, but I believe , he was unlucky playing in a period where the coaching direction n other players frailties around made he look worse than he actually was. He is quick, he can pass, he is brave in the tackle zone, but his length of kick was his Achilles heel . I personally likes Foley, he is calmer than most under pressure. I wish him well n playing in a new environments may be the best thing for him.
Dean
Roar Rookie
Thank heavens! If only he was departing on 59, then we wouldn’t have to suffer his ineptitude ever again. I understand he is a hard worker and reasonably capable. Most likely a lovely guy. However, not a World Cup winning 10, was never going to be. I wish him all the best for the rest of his footy career.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
There'll be dancing in the streets
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Thanks Bernard. Been a loyal and strong competitor for many years. Met him recently and he’s a nice guy. Wish him well in his future.
Jacko
Guest
I think they reduce the mid year tests down to 2 instead of 3 in a post WC year.......No idea why as the players have had more rest than a non WC year from a SH perspective but maybe its a player concern for NH sides
Markus
Roar Rookie
I interpret as he is fielding a couple of offers and hasn't locked one in yet, but none of them are here.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Ah no Waxhead ..... the evidence re Foley's commitment in defence is entirely contrary to your unfounded assertion.
cinque
Roar Rookie
Agree with Terry. His technique is sound for a small man asked to stop much bigger men at full pace. The lack of upper body strength has let him down on occasions - their thighs pumping through his arms. Aaron Smith & Damien McKenzie are not great defenders. They have the same issues and I suspect a similar rate of misses. His commitment has not been questioned, nor should it be. Beale, on the other hand ...
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Glad you asked, I was just about to. Seems strange that so little is being said about where he's going and who he will be playing for etc given he has been the Wallaby 10 for so long
Massive Ferguson
Guest
Jack Deb a complete rugby player......you're joking right? He's 6'4" and 100kg and is still a defensive shirker. If he hasn't learnt to tackle by now he never will.
riddler
Roar Rookie
best of luck for the future to the lad.
riddler
Roar Rookie
well said catchy.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Wax head, you know that I rate other 10’s higher than Bernard, and I have described his limitations numerous times, especially compared to 2 superior playmakers pickable for this cup. BUT Bernard has played with courage and commitment throughout his career. He did not pick himself. He’s leaving. After trying his best for a long time. I agree that he had too much time in gold. But now is not the time to castigate him with our opinion of selector’s mistakes. Well played Mr Foley. Thank you. You have gone where very few rugby players ever go. Congratulations. Thanks for that kick in 2014.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
@Terry ahh no - you should watch more carefully. Foley has been a road hump forever and there are many examples of this every season in almost every game. And there are many many much smaller players than him around who are excellent defenders. Commitment and technique are the 2 most important factors in defence as is proved by every great small man defender. NZ has many of them now (eg PJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, D. McKenzie) and Australia used to have them also, eg George Gregan. Foley, just like Beale and many other Waratah players, lack the required commitment to be good Test players imo. With commitment comes the desire to not only put your body on the line, but to practice practice good tackling technique. Foley, over 10 years has not improved either imo :)
Bluesfan
Blues could be a very good team next year - very strong in the forwards and some outstanding backs. Need to find a better 9 and replacement for Nainai and they could be right up there at the end of year.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
He is going to Japan. Has signed with one of their teams ..... as reported by Fox Sports.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Can't let that comment re Foley's commitment in defence go ..... that is the worse comment by far I have seen on the Roar this week. Waxhead everyone gets that you hate the Tahs and anything to do with them but geewhiz you have only to watch Foley continually put his body on the line by taking players front on down low. Sure his size means he does not always stop them but by golly you cannot doubt his fearlessness and commitment. I reckon you owe the man a huge apology.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Interesting and not sure on tours.
Fionn
Guest
I’ve heard on various podcasts from various former Wallabies, that it is basically a done deal. Potential already a done deal. They did essentially the same thing with Deans in 08 too. Also, aren’t there no June tours in years immediately following the World Cup now?
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Well, Bluesfan, it looks like the Blues have plugged that hole for the immediate future. And given the young guys a decent mentor.