Wallabies fullback Israel Folau is set to undergo surgery on his troublesome ankle.

Folau, who carried the injury through much of his side's World Cup campaign, will therefore have to give up a lucractive stint in Japan.

He is expected to be out of action for four months and may struggle to be fit in time for the start of the Waratahs’ Vodacom Super Rugby campaign.

Photo: Martin Bureau/AFP Photo