Bernard Foley could become the Wallabies first 'overseas' based player © Getty Images

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A strong push from Waratahs' coach Michael Cheika looks to have set Bernard Foley up as the first Wallabies "overseas-based" player, with NewsCorp reporting the Waratahs' star will have dual Japanese and ARU contracts for 2016.

Foley's future has been the subject of speculation for months following reports he'd signed a two-year contract with a Japanese club. But it now appears he will sign on for the Waratahs - and possibly the Wallabies - for the 2016 season as well

Playing in Japan through the months of August to February/March, Foley would then be available to the Waratahs throughout the Super Rugby season and then the Wallabies throughout 2016.

There is still plenty of uncertainty around the deal, including the extent of Foley's availability for the Wallabies in 2016 and whether his contract is to extend into 2017, however, it is reported Cheika indicated Foley would not be signed on a flexible contract, which allows for one overseas season within a long-term contract.

Foley is reported to be contracted through to the 2016-17 Japan Top League Competition, which would see him return to Japan in late August, cutting his Waratahs and Wallabies contract to just six months.

While Foley would easily be available for the June Test series against England, issues would arise if the Wallabies were to select Foley for the Rugby Championship games in September-October, or the Wallabies' November tour as he would technically be under contract with the Japanese club and classed as an overseas-based player. The ARU may then have to rely on the IRB's regulation 9 - availability of players - an unprecedented move for the governing body.

Foley is not the only player looking at more creative ways of remaining in Australian rugby with several other Wallabies believed to be discussing short-term overseas contracts with the ARU.