LONDON – After confirming that destructive Wallabies’ fullback Israel Folau re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and the New South Wales Waratahs, Folau has been unveiled as one of the Japanese side NTT Docomo’s new signings, immediately utilizing the ‘flexible clause’ built into his contract with the ARU.
Despite the new Japanese deal not being mentioned in the initial contract announcement by the ARU, NTT Docomo immediately released their new signings for next season including Folau (after the Rugby World Cup once he was free from national obligations).
The deal with the ARU will see the triple-code convert spend the longest time of his career in rugby having spent a season in the AFL as well as three seasons prior in rugby league
It is a deal similar to the one signed by fellow Waratah and Wallaby Bernard Foley and Folau has seemingly immediately looked to utilise the flexibility in his contract.
With so many players heading overseas, Folau’s signature is a coup for rugby with the 26 year old one of the Waratahs and the Wallabies’ major weapons and signals Folau’s intentions to reach the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
In a very positive sign for the ARU, Folau suggested his desire to achieve more with the Wallabies was a catalyst in the decision.
“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.