Israel Folau says the prospect of playing at next year’s Rugby World Cup is “enticing” but still won’t give a firm commitment about what his future looks like post-2018.
The Wallabies fullback is off contract at the end of the season and has had to bat away questions all year about whether he will stay in Australian rugby in 2019.
Delay: Israel Folau isn’t giving too much away when it comes to his future.
While it is likely Folau will stay at the NSW Waratahs next Super Rugby season – and in turn the Wallabies for the upcoming World Cup – his non-committal hasn’t pleased everyone.
Wallabies legend Matt Burke, in a column for Fairfax Media last week, questioned why Folau had not yet put pen to paper. For context, Folau's last three-year deal was announced in late June of 2015.
“The Wallabies fullback has been non-committal when asked about his intentions and deflected questions about his future,” Burke wrote. “Is that code for who can stump up the most cash? Or is it about the coach? The players? Is it about lifestyle?
“They could never admit it publicly, but I bet the Tahs are frustrated. For Folau to be undecided about his future at this stage of the process I find quite bizarre. I would say to the Waratahs, don’t overextend trying to retain him. You want a player of Folau's ilk to come to you.”
Folau gave his rehearsed line another whirl on Tuesday but did say the World Cup was a dangling carrot that might keep him in rugby.
“It's obviously enticing, very exciting with obviously the group that we have here right now,” Folau said. “There's no doubt that that's something that I look at as well.
“It's obviously a process that I'm going through with my management. It's clear that I'm off contract at the end of the year so, like I said, it's something I'm not worried about as a player.”
Last week it was announced Wallabies captain Michael Hooper had signed on for another five years until the 2023 World Cup and Australian rugby fans will be hoping Folau is prepared to commit long-term to the 15-man code.
“It's a great sign to see someone like Hoops sign on a long-term deal," Folau said. "He's obviously confident in the team going forward. Hopefully a lot of the guys around him, especially the younger guys, can see that and [be] very excited about the future and wanting to be there long term.”
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