KANE DOUGLAS HAS returned home to Australia after agreeing a three-year deal with Queensland Reds.

The 26-year-old second row joined Leinster in May 2014 but failed to settle in Ireland and endured a difficult campaign under Matt O’Connor.

Having played 20 times for the province, Douglas was released from his contract last week despite having two years remaining after the Australian Rugby Union paid suitable a compensation package — believed to be between €150,000 and €200,000.

“I’m very grateful to the ARU and QRU for giving me the opportunity to return home to Australia to continue my Rugby career in Queensland,“ said Douglas.

“It’s a really exciting time here for the game and I’m looking forward to being a part of it over the next few years.

It’s great to see the Wallabies build some depth across the park over the past 12 months, especially at lock, and I’ll be working hard to fight my way back into contention.”

Douglas will now compete for a place in Australia’s World Cup squad and head coach Michael Cheika is delighted to have him available.

“It’s great to see Kane back playing his rugby in Australia for the long term,” said Cheika.

“His return will bolster our tight five stocks and that is a strong objective of ours over the next 18 months.”

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