Rugby union superstar pours cold water on rugby league rumours.
Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has allayed the fears of fans of the 15-man code by saying he is committed to the ARU for 2015.
Folau sparked rumours that he was considering returning to the game that made him a household name, when he was photographed having a coffee with NRL head of football Todd Greenberg and his manager Issac Moses.
“I know Toddy (Greenberg) pretty well and I’ve done a lot of stuff with him in previous years obviously when I was playing rugby league,” Folau said.
“I just caught up with him, it was his birthday so you know I just wanted to have a coffee with him.
“There’s a lot of footballers from different codes that come through that stadium and especially around that café area.
“So like I said it was just a general catch-up with Toddy…it was his birthday that day and I just wanted to have a coffee. We didn’t even talk about footy or anything.”
Folau addressed the issue in what is a bye week for him and the Waratahs as the Super Rugby finals begin this weekend.
The 25-year-old did admit he has been courted by several NRL clubs about a possible return to the code, but would not reveal names.
However, Folau said he was simply looking forward to finishing off New South Wales’ excellent season so far and helping an improving Wallabies team.
“You can’t lie about it, I think everyone knows there’s a lot of interest from rugby league,” Folau said.
“And I’ve said it in the past before that I’ve still got one more year with the Waratahs to go and next year is a massive year for rugby – the World Cup is around the corner.
“I’m really enjoying my time playing rugby and to be honest I’m not even thinking about that time (2015 and beyond). I’ll look to that when that time comes, when I’m off contract.”
If Folau did leave rugby union it would be a huge blow for the game as not only does his talent make him one of the best players in the world, but his image also makes him one of the most marketable players in the game.
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