Izzy in no rush
The Australian Rugby Union's battle to retain the services of high-profile code hopper Israel Folau is dragging on.
Folau told the media on Monday that he would love to remain at the Waratahs in 2014, but is no rush to recommit to Rugby Union.
The code-hopping superstar on Monday refused to shed any new light on where, or which sport, he would play next year, insisting he was more intent on making a full recovery from a hamstring injury before entering Wallabies camp next month.
The Waratahs and the Australian Rugby Union have made no secret of their desire to keep Folau after his spectacular entrance to the 15-man game this year, but the 24-year-old former Australian Rugby League international has also been linked to a return to the NRL with Canterbury.
"I'd love to be here next year," Folau said in Sydney.
"Obviously there's a lot of things that I've got to sort out off-field and my management team is doing a job with that.
"So there's no timeline to it, but hopefully we can get something done pretty soon."
Folau injured his hamstring in Australia's series-deciding third test loss to the British and Irish Lions three weeks ago and is desperate to retain his starting spot for the Wallabies' Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks in Sydney on August 17.
The backline ace was named in new test coach Ewen McKenzie's initial 40-man Wallabies squad last week and is racing the clock to be fit for the All Blacks clash.
"Obviously he's shown some faith to pick me in that 40-man squad," Folau said.
"Look, I've really enjoyed it so far and that Lions series was a great experience for me.
"Right now I'm trying to get my hamstring right to try and make sure that I can give 100 per cent when I get into camp.
"It's very exciting."
Folau nominated the mateship and travel opportunities in rugby as two key factors that could keep him in the code.
"How close I've gotten with the coaching staff and the boys, and also the travel as well, getting to go to South Africa and all those different places and play rugby is awesome," he said.
"So that's probably the two main attractions for me at this stage. That's why I think I really enjoy it so much."
Source: AAP
