Israel Folau is off limits to NRL clubs after agreeing to a new four-year deal to remain in Australian rugby.
Folau has recommitted to the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs cause until the end of 2022.
It ensures Folau remains in the 15-man code until he is 34, meaning he will almost certainly play out his career in rugby.
Folau’s retention is a huge boost for the Wallabies before Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup showdown in Yokohama.
The superstar code-hopper on Wednesday spent two hours mingling with wide-eyed fans and posing for photos at a sponsorship promotion in Tokyo, where he admitted he loved touring the world and playing for his country in the gold jumper.
The three-times John Eales Medallist and former State of Origin and Australian rugby league Test player had been in the sights of several NRL clubs, as well as cashed-up rugby franchises in Europe and Japan.
The retention of the 69-Test superstar comes hot on the heels of Rugby Australia’s re-signing of several other key players in 2018.
Test captain Michael Hooper and gun young tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa have both signed on for another five years, while playmaker Bernard Foley last week announced he was sticking around in Australia until at least next year’s World Cup in Japan.