Melbourne - Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has signed an extension to his national contract until the end of 2018 in a coup for the embattled Australian Rugby Union.
A flock of seasoned Wallabies are leaving for foreign shores after the World Cup in England and dual international Folau, one of Australia's highest profile players, had been tipped to join the exodus.
“I've already had so many great moments and experiences in rugby over the past few years, but I feel like I am still just scratching the surface of what I am capable of, which is something that really excites me,” Folau said in a statement on Wednesday.
“(Wallabies coach) Michael Cheika has also created a team environment which players really want to be part of, and that for me was one of the most important things when weighing up my future.
“He has created a culture that is extremely hard to walk away from, but just as importantly, it's an environment which challenges you every day to be a better player and person.”
Folau re-signing was unveiled at a news conference at 1 p.m. local time (0300 GMT) in Sydney on Wednesday.
The ARU said he had been placed on a “flexible” contract, meaning he will be able to play overseas outside of the Super Rugby and international test seasons and still be eligible to play for the Wallabies.
Folau's Wallabies and New South Wales Waratahs team mate Bernard Foley was offered a similar contract earlier this year in a landmark move in Australia where players have been required to put in full domestic seasons to earn a Wallabies jersey.
Folau had been linked with a lucrative move to French giants Toulon to join up with former Wallabies backs Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, though there was also speculation he might return to Australia's National Rugby League, where he started his footballing career in the 13-man code.
Folau, who also had a less successful stint in top-flight Australian Rules football for two years from 2011-12, scored two tries on his 2013 Wallabies debut against the British and Irish Lions and now has 17 from his 29 caps.
His retention will be cheered by local rugby fans, who have been dismayed by reports of financial strife in the game in recent years and a potentially ruinous player drain as home-grown talents head overseas to chase big-money deals. – Reuters