Folau's brother joins him at Waratahs

Sydney - Wallaby Israel Folau's younger brother John will join his superstar sibling at the Waratahs next season after turning his back on rugby league, the club announced Saturday.

The 24-year-old winger previously played with the Parramatta Eels and made one appearance in the league format for Tonga.

But he decided to switch codes this season and has been playing for the Sydney Rays in the lower-level National Rugby Championship, where he impressed the Waratahs.

"He is an athletic player with a strong motivation to learn more about the specifics of the game and also his playing position," said Waratahs assistant coach Chris Whitaker.

"I cannot wait to see how far he can go in this sport."

The Australia-born Folau, who has been handed a one-year contract, said it was always his dream to follow in his brother's footsteps.

"As a kid, one of my childhood memories was sitting around the TV with family and watching the Wallabies play and watching those players represent the country," he said.

"Now I have the opportunity to play for a team that represents an entire state, which is humbling. Attack-wise, I think I can bring something to the team."

The Waratahs open their Super Rugby season against the Wellington Hurricanes at home on February 16.