It’s an enviable collection of achievements at provincial level, to go along with more than 60 Test appearances and countless personal accolades.
Bernard Foley has announced he won’t be returning to the NSW Waratahs in 2020, ending a career in sky blue that started in somewhat dramatic fashion nine years ago.
A young Foley was plucked from Australian Sevens – having plied his trade with Sydney University in colts and grade – to make his debut in of all places, Eden Park in a qualifying final against the Blues.
Berrick Barnes was injured, as was Daniel Halangahu which saw a 21-year-old Foley given an opportunity from the bench.
“Having been around for some of the pre-season and then not at all it was a complete shock [to get the call], but a great experience to come in and play alongside some great players - I was just in awe,” Foley said.
The memories of that debut have stood the test of time, as Foley recounts where it all began for him in Super Rugby.
“Arriving at Eden Park and taking it all in, having to wait about 70 minutes [to get on] but mostly just itching to play a part.”
The night didn’t end how Foley or the Waratahs would have hoped, going down 26-13 to the Blues but it would prove the catalyst to what would become a storied career.
“The intensity, the physicality [of that night] was just another level up and it must’ve lit something deep inside of me because it was something I really wanted to chase and be a part of.”
That chase began in the 2012 pre-season with Foley joining the Waratahs full time.
“I was just trying to do absolutely everything to compete as a young guy and take every opportunity.”
Opportunities would eventually come, first via the bench and then at fullback in a backline that featured the likes of Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
“The guys in my position you naturally spend a lot of time with, along with guys in the backline who were able to share their experience with me.”
“Dave Dennis was a great leader in the way he connected everyone, all the individuals and different personalities.
“Wycliff [Palu] was exceptional, he didn’t speak much but when he spoke everyone listened and he just led the way with his actions.”
It was an eye-opening experience for the boy from Kenthurst, who fondly recalls late nights with friends watching the Waratahs in South Africa.
“Growing up I used to love watching the Waratahs, I’d go to a lot of home games as a Sydneysider and be getting up in the middle of the night and going to friends’ places who had Foxtel so we could watch the game.”
Look ahead to 2013 and Foley had graduated from Waratah to Wallaby, making his debut in Rosario against Argentina in a 54-17 demolition of the Pumas.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play a few [Tests] since then, but you always remember the first and the journey that it took to get to that point,” he said.
Most in Foley’s shoes will tell you a plethora of advice comes your way in the lead up to a debut, but it was a simple approach from the man himself.
“I think the best advice was to back yourself, enjoy the journey and make the most of your time there. I tried not to get too overwhelmed or caught up with everything, train hard and enjoy the experience.”
The 2014 season would be a high point in many ways, as the Waratahs began what would become a Championship-winning campaign under Michael Cheika.
Nick Phipps was signed from the Rebels, Kurtley Beale returned; while Dave Dennis, Wycliff Palu and Stephen Hoiles offered experience up front as the pieces fell into place for a historic season.
“I think it was just such a special group that year, with a lot of factors coming together at that point.”
After an inconsistent start, seven straight wins on the run home created a groundswell around the boys in sky blue.
“Early on we couldn’t string two wins together so it wasn’t as though it was destined from the start, but we were able to get on a roll and create an incredible momentum throughout the backend of that season.”
“We were lucky enough to finish on top and host the final, the semi-final was incredible as well against the Brumbies – we’d had some great clashes with them that season.”
That final would prove one for the ages, with 33-32 win decided by a 45-metre penalty at the death from Foley. The memories of that night still remain clear, not dulled by the ensuing days of celebration with teammates.
“It was an incredible game, really high scoring, free flowing, end-to-end kind of game between two really quality sides,” Foley said.
“The game was an accumulation of events where everything felt like it was going right, and with a few minutes to go you look at the scoreboard and we’re behind – the rest is history I suppose.”
History it was. A now iconic moment in Waratahs folklore with Foley front and centre.
“I remember setting up for the kick and especially how the team around you reacted, some guys were scared to come near you. I remember Pete Betham came up, tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘don’t worry mate, we’ll love you anyway’.
“At the time you’re just so immersed in the game you try not to think of context or consequences.
“Thinking about the kick, I didn’t hit it all that well. I initially thought it was going to miss to the right and then I thought it wasn’t going to be long enough.”
The assistant’s flag was the only telling sign inside a packed Allianz Stadium as the Waratahs worked quickly to kill off the match and end a 19-year title drought – after going close in ‘05 and ‘08.
“What you learn [from those moments] is that through practice, through all your hard work that given the opportunity you’re fully confident you’ve done everything possible to achieve. You back your preparation and the result hopefully looks after itself.”
It was a moment shared with more than 60,000 New South Wales fans, but more importantly for Foley, with his family watching on from the stands of Allianz Stadium. His dad, Michael was his first coach and a continual support for Foley throughout his career.
“He coached me from under 6s to under 16s and has always been very invested in my rugby, doing plenty of things to make sure we had a team each weekend. A lot of it goes back to him as well and the way he was able to support me following my dreams.”
The moments of magic in sky blue and Wallaby gold continued after that 2014 season, as Foley cemented himself as Australia’s premiere fly half – dominating the 2015 World Cup in England with some stellar individual efforts.
Finals appearances came again in Super Rugby campaigns during 2015 and 2018 as Foley charged towards 100 caps, collecting the vice captaincy of his state along the way in what he lists as some of his most cherished achievements. He would also be elevated to the captaincy role on several occasions in the absence of Michael Hooper.
“It’s a bit of a cliché but it was a dream come true to be a part of this team, to represent the people of this state and my family and friends has been a real privilege.”
Foley now sets his focus on a condensed Rugby Championship and the upcoming World Cup campaign in Japan, where he’s set to play a crucial role for Michael Cheika.
