By Sean Miyaguchi,
Should he receive an anticipated Rugby World Cup call-up for the Wallabies, Bernard Foley believes his time with Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay has primed him for the sport's biggest stage.
The 33-year-old Australian playmaker was instrumental to Spears' first championship in either Japan Rugby League One or its predecessor, Top League, marshalling his side to a 17-15 win over Saitama Wild Knights at Tokyo's National Stadium on Saturday.
The former Super Rugby star for the Waratahs has been part of an influx of foreign talent that has lifted the stocks of Japanese club rugby, and he believes League One's standard now rates among the world's best.
"The coaches and the programs and the quality of players here have lifted the standard immensely and I think it's probably a lot faster than test match rugby," Foley said.
"But I think games like today, that's a test match in terms of how...when you're off (your game) the (opposing) team will punish you."
Foley's performance throughout the season, when he finished as League One's top points scorer, has caught the attention of Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones, who recently met with the playmaker in Japan.
The 76-test veteran is now being tipped to continue his international resurgence at the World Cup this autumn in France, having been recalled to the Australia squad during last year's Rugby Championship following a three-year absence.
"I set it out at the start of (the League One) season, I wanted to play my best footy and give myself the best opportunity to be involved with the Wallabies this year and be part of that campaign," Foley said.
"Hopefully it's put me in a good position in terms of the competition back in Australia."
Whether or not he wears the gold and green when the Wallabies kick off their World Cup campaign against Georgia at the Stade de France on Sept. 9, Foley will be back in Japan next season with the goal of winning another title.
"I've re-signed for another two years with the Spears, so hopefully I'll be involved with the World Cup, but if not, I'll be back here involved in the Spears pre-season and (it's a) great challenge for us next year to go back-to-back," he said.
Related coverage:
Rugby: Spears too sharp for Wild Knights, win 1st title
Rugby: Saitama pack confident of outmuscling Spears in final
Rugby: Spears edge Sungoliath to reach League One final
