Foley keeping it flexible

 

The new agreement locks away the 25-year-old incumbent Wallabies flyhalf until at least the end of 2018 and ensures he will be eligible for Australia and the Waratahs selection in each year of the deal.

 

As part of the flexible contract, Foley will also be entitled to spend two seasons playing rugby in the Japanese domestic competition. 

 

These two opportunities will exist at the end of the 2015 World Cup and at the conclusion of the 2016 Rugby Championship.

 

Foley said he was thrilled to have finalised a long-term agreement with the ARU.

 

"I have an incredibly strong desire to continue representing Australia and the Waratahs, and this deal allows me to do that for at least another three years," Foley said.

 

"I’d like to thank Australia and the Waratahs for understanding my desire to experience a new culture and rugby environment in Japan, while continuing to provide me an opportunity to represent my State and Country."

 

Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said the retention of Foley on a flexible contract was a positive outcome for both the Waratahs and for Australia.

 

"Bernard is an outstanding talent and an integral part of our team," Harris said.

 

"It is essential for the Waratahs that we lock away the spine of the team and retaining Bernard, along with Nick Phipps, is a crucial part of this exercise."

 

Australian coach Michael Cheika said flexible contracting, although limited, would be treated on a case-by-case scenario.

 

"Flexible contracting is taken into consideration for exceptional circumstances, and I am confident that he will put his own well-being at the front of his priorities and thinking." Cheika said.

 

"Bernard is a playmaker who is still yet to reach his full potential and we need our best players eligible for Australia – now and in the future."

 

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said the agreement allowed the ARU to re-sign an important player it may have otherwise lost exclusively to an overseas-based club.

 

"This contract reinforces Australia's commitment to having its best future talent remain in Australia on a long-term basis, to ensure we have an elite provincial and Test product available for our fans," Pulver said.

 

"We are satisfied Bernard has a genuine aspiration to continue having a long and distinguished career in Australia, but we understand his short-term aspirations to play in the Japanese top league.

 

"From a player welfare perspective, we'll continue to work closely with the Rugby Union Players' Association [RUPA] for innovative ways to improve the overall standard and safety of our players." 

 

Foley made his Super Rugby debut in 2011 against the Auckland Blues in the Waratahs semifinal appearance. 

 

He was included in the Wallabies squad for the 2012 Test series against Scotland and Wales after just 11 appearances for his club. 

 

He eventually debuted for Australia against Argentina in Rosario during the 2013 Rugby Championship season, and is now regularly included in the Wallabies’ starting fifteen racking up a total of 18 Test caps to-date.