NSW Waratahs coach Michael Foley has hailed the contribution of his departing skipper Rocky Elsom, despite the flanker making just a handful of appearances in his ill-fated second stint with the Super Rugby franchise.

The powerful back-rower is going to play in Japan and is unlikely to turn out for NSW in their final two matches due to a shoulder injury.

Hamstring issues delayed Elsom’s first appearance of the season until round eight.

He played three times off the bench and started two games before suffering his latest injury setback.

“Rocky is still recovering from a shoulder injury and it’s getting better all the time, but we probably won’t see him this year unfortunately,” Foley said on Thursday.

“He’s signed to play in Japan and we wish him well.

“Rocky is one of those guys that is much maligned, and in terms of the value he’s been to the team, no player wants to get injured, no player doesn’t want to play.

“He had a bit of bad luck in last year’s World Cup with his physical status, but he’s invested a lot of time and energy into the team and helping in the background.”