Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson is hopeful Israel Folau will stay in Australian rugby, despite backlash over anti-gay views

ISRAEL Folau and Rugby Australia will now continue contract extension negotiations that could keep the star with the Wallabies for a further three years.

Israel Folau will look to pen a long-term deal to remain in Australian rugby union.

UPDATE: ISRAEL Folau and Rugby Australia will now continue contract extension negotiations that could keep the star with the Wallabies for a further three years.

After Folau escaped sanctioning for his gays to “hell” comment, having explained his beliefs in-depth via a columnthat RA accepted as satisfactory amid the public outcry, the Daily Telegraph can reveal the player is looking for a long-term deal to remain in Australian rugby.

Folau has been linked with a return to the NRL and moves to European rugby, but has indicated in talks with his employers that he’d prefer to remain here beyond next year’s World Cup and up to the end of 2021.

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As part of negotiations, potential sabbaticals will be discussed that will allow Folau to take up lucrative short-term overseas deals and then return for Wallabies Test matches, however there is no guarantee that would be approved.

Israel Folau is keen to sign a new long-term deal with Rugby Australia.

Folau himself spoke of his love of Australian rugby in his Players Voice column, which led to RA announcing on Tuesday they would not penalise him for saying last week that gays were destined for hell unless they repented their sins.

RA’s major sponsors are satisfied with the handling of the delicate workplace matter, with the multimillion-dollar deal with Qantas safe until its conclusion in 2020.

“In his article, Israel clearly articulated his religious beliefs and why his faith is important to him and has provided context behind his social media comment,” RA boss Raelene Castle said.

“In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel’s position.

“Rugby Australia will use this experience as an opportunity to remind all employees of their obligation to use social media in a respectful way.”

Castle made no mention of a portion of Folau’s column that said he felt she’d misrepresented him to reporters following the meeting.

It’s understood that both parties agree there was a general misunderstanding of what was said, and they’re happy to move on.

There has been no response yet from rugby sponsors on RA’s decision to take no action against Folau.

Israel Folau at Waratahs training this week.

The 29-year-old clearly is not going to back down from his Christian beliefs, however it is now hoped he will refrain from making any comments on social media that could be deemed offensive and inflammatory towards sections of the community.

As a housekeeping measure, RA will soon issue a reminder to all players and staff about sensible social media practices.

The heat around Folau’s comments appears to have dimmed following his column, and that will allow him to continue his contract talks with his employers without friction.

His preference for a long-term deal indicates his desire to remain in the Wallabies’ set-up beyond the World Cup in Japan and a lifestyle stability following his wedding to New Zealand netballer Maria Folau (nee Tutaia) late last year.

Folau will continue to be used in online and social media advertising to promote the June Test series against Ireland.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson, who was seen chatting amicably with Folau on Tuesday morning, certainly remains hopeful Folau will stay in Australian rugby.

“We want Israel to stay in rugby, that’s the first thing,” Gibson said.

Waratahs and Wallabies star Israel Folau has stood firm on his religious beliefs.

“He enjoys the game and so our immediate concerns are making sure he stays in rugby and that he’s happy here.

“He articulated what he believes and he’s free to decide those things. I don’t believe we’re at that point [of ceasing negotiations].”

Folau will continue to be used in online and social media advertising to promote the June Test series against Ireland

Folau’s Waratahs teammate Tom Robertson urged him to remain in rugby beyond this season.

“I’d love to see him stay in rugby, I’ve played 50-odd games with him now and it’s a pretty special feeling running through the sheds and going into the stadium when you’ve got Israel Folau behind you,” Robertson said.

“If he could do that for the next few years that’d be fantastic because I know I’m here for a long time, so hopefully he is too.”

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Originally published as Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson is hopeful Israel Folau will stay in Australian rugby, despite backlash over anti-gay views