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Bernard Foley confirms Australia exit
By Online Editors
The Waratahs have confirmed that Bernard Foley will head overseas after the Rugby World Cup - though his destination still remains a mystery.
The 29-year-old previously spent a season with the Ricoh Black Rams after the 2015 World Cup and given the appeal of the country, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Foley head there once more.
Foley is the the New South Wales' sides most-capped flyhalf of all time and debuted back in 2011 against the Blues. With almost 180 caps to his name at Super Rugby and national level, Foley will leave a huge a huge dearth of experience in Australia's ranks.
“It’s not been an easy decision and one that took a great deal of thought, but to be moving on from the Waratahs is certainly a bittersweet feeling,” Foley said to the Waratahs' website.
“The Waratahs gave me my first opportunity at professional rugby and I’ve grown so much as a player and a person during my time here, playing with some of the game’s greats and making friendships that will last a lifetime.
“It’s been a privilege to represent this great state and my family and friends. I’d like to thank the coaches who have supported me and the teammates I’ve played with over the years.
“Our fans have been exceptional during my time here and I’d like to thank them for their support, I look forward to cheering on the boys with them well into the future.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time here, but I’ve got a new challenge in front of me and I’m looking forward to that as well.”
Foley is the latest Waratah to confirm his departure, following Curtis Rona, Nick Phipps and Sekope Kepu.
Mack Mason was used as Foley's back up throughout 2019 but is yet to look ready for Super Rugby.
NSW Rugby Union's general manager of rugby Tim Rapp was quick to praise Foley.
“Bernard has been an important part of the Waratahs for the best part of a decade,” he said.
“He’s been a consistent performer at the highest level for a long period, and ultimately his numbers speak for themselves – he’s achieved a lot of great things for the Waratahs and we certainly appreciate that.
“The quality of his character and the value he adds to a team environment will certainly be missed, he’s a great guy who is well-liked and respected right across NSW Rugby.
“We’re obviously disappointed to see him go but it’s a competitive marketplace, particularly at the end of a World Cup cycle. Everyone at NSW Rugby wishes Bernard all the best at both the World Cup and in the next chapter in his career."
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Latest Comments
I think it was a better rugby destination for him.
He was developed in Melbourne and had a relatively brief stint there. I think he was possibly dropped out of the squad for the return of someone like To'omua (also a Melbourne local) in 2019 ahead of the RWC. But then he wasn't picked up by another Australian team and went to play in Japan when he only really seemed to play a hat full of top level games (maybe injured for long periods??) before he went on to Scotland. But it was only in Scotland that he started to get a lot of consistent game time and selection.
The thing is, no one talked about him being a missed opportunity in Australia before he left - a little like Mac Hansen. But he has been able to forge a top level career since leaving. Both men only had a handful (5 or 6?) games at Super Rugby level before they made a decision to leave (or had it made for them I suppose). Other countries have gone on to develop them and that is great for them and it is probably good for the global game as it means the best players are rising to the top - if not in their birth country than in another. I think there are a lot of issues with poor player development in Australia but I don't know if these two blokes are very good examples of it.
Go to commentsOk I understand. Give them my number please Nick.
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