Deal done: Izzy staying in rugby

Folau looks set to stay with rugby. Source: AFP

RUGBY has successfully held onto its newest prize jewel with Israel Folau to confirm on Thursday he's staying in the 15-man code.

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After months of speculation about his future, Folau will be the centrepiece of a press conference held by the Australian Rugby Union to announce major player news.

It is understood the 24-year-old star has committed to a two-year deal that will see him play union with Australia and the Waratahs through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The Wallaby winger has long been considered a target for NRL side the Bulldogs, and with the club's fullback Ben Barba on Wednesday released to Brisbane, speculation linking Folau with a return to league intensified.

But Bulldogs chief executive Raelene Castle told reporters on Wednesday afternoon Folau was not being considered as a replacement for Barba. She said: "My understanding is that Israel Folau is going to sign for rugby and that's where it's at," Castle said. "There should be an announcement any day."

While's Folau 11th-hour switch to rugby from AFL last year gave pause, the news of his decision to stay is not a huge shock after the triple-code convert has repeatedly hinted he would remain in rugby in recent months.

He said last month he'd already made up his mind about which code he wanted to play, and spoke freely about enjoying rugby more than he thought he would.

The news will still provide a huge boost for Australan rugby, however, after morale-sapping defeats to the British and Irish Lions and New Zealand in recent months.

Folau's decision has also been hugely influenced by the tight rapport he's struck with Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.

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