Folau’s promising first impression

The Waratahs’ new star signing Israel Folau impressed coach Michael Cheika in his first full training session with the franchise on Thursday.  

The high-profile former Australian Rugby League international, who has agreed a one-year contract with the Waratahs, hit the ground running as he got his first taste of training at the Sydney Super Rugby side.

The squad were put through their paces with a speed session, followed by a rugby skills session that focused on the key passing and catching skills and finished by practicing their attacking and defensive shapes with some live opposed play.

Cheika praised the league convert, saying he hadn’t looked out of place in his first session with the squad.  

“I thought he went okay to be honest, he certainly didn’t look out of place, even in some of the ruck work we were doing he fitted in real well.

“There’s no doubting his natural talent and I’m sure he’ll fit in real easy. It’ll take a bit of time but from what I’ve seen so far it’s looking pretty seamless.”

New assistant coach Daryl Gibson also arrived at the Waratahs’ headquarter this week and took charge at training for the first time on Thursday, running an attacking drill as part of the team’s morning training session.