Big boost for Wallabies as Israel Folau commits for another three years

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau is expected to announce a three-year extension to his national contract on Wednesday 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 Wales, and dual international Folau, one of Australia’s highest profile players, had been tipped to join the exodus.

The ARU announced a news conference in Sydney on Wednesday after Australian media reported the 26-year-old New South Wales Waratahs star had signed a new deal.

Local media said Folau had agreed to a flexible contract similar to that of his Wallabies and Waratahs team-mate Bernard Foley, which would allow him to play in Japan outside of the Super Rugby season and the international test season.

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 rugby league in Australia’s NRL, where he started his rugby career in the 13-man code.

Folau, who also had a less successful stint in top-flight Aussie rules football for two years from 2011-12, scored two tries on his 2013 Wallabies debut against the British & Irish Lions and now has 17 from his 29 caps.