ISRAEL FOLAU HAS turned down a return to rugby league and instead signed a new two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union.
Folau, who was one of Australia’s stars against the Lions this summer, has committed to the code following a stellar first season with the New South Wales Waratahs.
His breakthrough performances earned him his Wallabies debut in the first Lions Test in June where he marked the occasion with two tries.
The 24-year-old was also involved in one of the iconic moments of the second Test when he was lifted in a fireman’s carry by George North.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first year for the Waratahs and being with the Wallabies,” Folau said.
“Next year is going to be an exciting year for the Wallabies and Waratahs and I’ve still got more to offer. That’s the reason I decided to stay.
“The Rugby World Cup (in 2015) is definitely a drawcard. To be a part of that would be an awesome experience, but that’s still a long time away and we’ve got a lot to achieve in the meantime.”
He had been linked in reports with a return to the NRL and quizzed by reporters as to whether league club offers were not enticing enough, Folau said: “It’s not so much the offers or anything like that.
“I still obviously watch the game (league) and support the game.
“It’s just at the end of the day, I really enjoy what I’m doing at the moment with rugby and also looking down the track there’s a lot of exciting things coming up for rugby and I want to be a part of that.”
