Duel-international set to ink a new deal with rugby union.
The Australian Rugby Union are set to keep Israel Folau in the game with news the Wallabies winger is close to signing a new deal with New South Wales.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the contract has been agreed on by Folau and his management in principle.
If the ARU is able to complete the deal it will deal a huge blow to rugby league and the NRL, who had desperate hopes of luring their star back to the 13-man code.
Folau made his name for the Melbourne Storm before joining the AFL in what was a failed experiment to cross codes, as he struggled as part of the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
However, another move, this time to rugby union paid dividends almost immediately, as the powerful outside back starred for the Warartahs in this year’s Super 15 season.
His form saw him become a duel international when he was selected on the wing for the Wallabies series against the British and Irish Lions.
Playing and starring on an international stage was said to have played a large part in Folau leaning towards staying with union.
However, strong bids from the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL will continue to temp Folau until he puts pens to paper, which the ARU hopes will happen before next months Rugby Championship.
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