WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika says he’s “very confident” star lock Adam Coleman will stay in Australian rugby through to the 2019 World Cup.
In what could be a double-dose of good news after Dave Wessels’ decision to join Melbourne instead of Munster, Cheika said he felt positive about holding onto Coleman despite the big Wallaby second-rower admitting he was contemplating overseas offers.
As part of the arrangements of the Force closing down, players are entitled to get a release from their contract and despite only re-signing with the ARU late last year through to 2019, rich European clubs have begun circling Coleman again.
Asked about his future this week in South Africa, Coleman said: “In terms of me, personally, there is a lot of water to go under the bridge and I am just assessing my options at the moment. I love playing for the Wallabies and what I want to do, for this year, is play the best rugby I can, for my country.”
The decision of Wessels to stay in Australia and take a crew of Force players to Melbourne may prove influential for Coleman in his final call.
Cheika believes Coleman, who has already become a mainstay of the Wallabies despite on debuting last year, will stay.
“I have been talking to him and he’s been very clear where his head is at,” Cheika said.
“I am feeling very confident. I take nothing for granted obviously but I feel very confident he has one big objective in his mind and that he’ll be here.
“We obviously have to do the right things, like in any negotiation process but I am sure that will happen. I am very comfortable for him to take his time as well.”
READ MORE: RUGBY TRAINING
