PICKING Israel Folau for a Wallaby debut knowing the code-hopper could return to league in 2014 would be an indictment on the gold jersey and its proud history, according to Brumbies coach Jake White.
But Wallabies coach Robbie Deans last night re-iterated he was not only comfortable picking an uncommitted Folau, he'd consider the fullback even if he signed with an NRL club.
White's punchy stance came in the wake of comments by Deans this week saying Folau could become a "legend of the game' if he chose to stay in rugby.
Folau's one-year contract with the ARU and the Waratahs expires in November, and he is currently weighing up his future. There is strong speculation he'll switch back to league for the Bulldogs or Roosters.
Based on outstanding form over five months for NSW, Deans has Folau in the frame to play against the British and Irish Lions but White said selection without long-term commitment to Australian rugby would disrespect Wallaby history and damage the code.
"It would be an indictment on the Wallaby jumper if a guy has played only 12 games of rugby can play for his country at rugby union, knowing full well he hasn't committed to the Wallabies,' White said.
"I think it is an indictment on every value system you create in terms of what the jumper means to people, if a player can play 12 games, you don't know if he is staying in the code and he still ends up playing for his country.
"My gut feeling is if you are 12 games into a campaign and you're not committed to playing for your life for that jumper, you are not doing justice to every person who has worked to make that jumper what it is, and what value it holds.
"If a guy can leave the sport straight after he's played in the Lions series, that's not going to bode well in selling rugby as a sport. It would be against the grain for me on every ethos of rugby.'
Folau, who lines up for the Waratahs against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth tomorrow morning, could reportedly make a decision about his future within a month, opening the door to the NRL switch announcement prior to the Lions series.
Israel Folau in his NRL days, playing for the Brisbane Broncos.
Asked whether Deans should disregard Folau in that scenario, White said: "I can't answer for the Wallabies but in teams that I coach, in my view, I would like to know the guy is in it for the long haul.'
In reality, Folau's future moves are unlikely to affect his Wallabies chances. Deans said last week that Folau's home in 2014 would not be considered at the selection table for this year.
Asked if Folau could even be picked after potentially signing with a NRL club, Deans told Rugby HQ: "Absolutely. We look at any player currently playing rugby in Australia, we consider.
"There are any number of players who may not play rugby in Australia next year for whatever reason. You don't concern yourself with the future.
"Test rugby is about on the day, and you want the best group who are going to get the job done.'
Responding to White's comments last night, a Wallabies spokesman said Deans' "position has not changed at all'.
Lions coach Warren Gatland said this week he expected Folau to play against them, partly on talent and partly due to the ARU's desire to keep him in rugby.
But White stressed a Wallaby jersey also shouldn't be doled out as a reward for re-signing.
"If everyone is saying, 'stay, stay, we'll do everything we can', what's stopping Izzy from saying, 'perfect, I am here for the long haul'?" White said.
"But even then, he still may not get picked. It can't be a trade-off, because that wouldn't be fair on other players."
