18 Apr 2018

Waratahs coach wants Folau to stay

6:27 am on 18 April 2018

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says he wants Israel Folau to stay in rugby, though conceded that Rugby Australia had the major say in that.

NSW Waratahs fullback Israel Folau

NSW Waratahs fullback Israel Folau Photo: © Clay Cross / PHOTOSPORT 2018

Gibson said he wanted Folau, who is off-contract at the end of 2018, to stay in rugby, but that those conversations were initially, at least, between the Test star and the national body.

Rugby Australia is yet to publicly respond to Folau's article, though after their meeting last week, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said they still wanted Folau to stick with the sport.

It is unclear exactly what the organisation's next step will be after Monday night.

"We want Israel to stay in rugby, he enjoys the game and so our immediate concern is making sure he stays in rugby," he said.

"That's not for me to decide (whether he walks away).

"I know those discussions are ongoing and the dialogue between Rugby Australia and Israel are continuing.

"There hasn't been a timeframe put on those discussions. Those are questions for Rugby Australia."

On-field, Folau will not play this Friday against the Lions, still recovering from a hamstring injury.