LEINSTER CENTRE BEN Te’o today said he wants to ‘stick around’ in rugby union, but would not be drawn on whether he would continue to ply his trade with Leinster beyond this season.
The bruising New Zealander arrived in Dublin last year after helping the South Sydney Rabbitohs claim the National Rugby League title in Australia.
Despite early injuries hampering his efforts to adapt to a new hemisphere and a new code, Te’o has been one of the most consistently impressive performers for both Matt O’Connor and new head coach Leo Cullen.
That form has clearly piqued the interest in Te’o across union. The Irish Times today reported that the Waratahs, along with a host of usual big-spending suspects in England and France are among the pack chasing Te’o's signature.
“That’s something that I’m in the process of sorting out,” said the Samoan rugby league international when asked whether he would stay in Leinster beyond the end of his current contract this summer.
In terms of the game of rugby union, it was a hard transition and at times there were thoughts about whether I’d be suited to go back to league. But I think I’m really enjoying rugby union and I probably want to stick around.”
Te’o, who will turn 29 in January, added:
“I did enjoy last year. I’m feeling a lot more comfortable this year after doing a full pre-season. I’m enjoying every game I get to get out there in the midfield and mix it up with some of the great teams that we play.”
Glad TJV got the stage win for van Hooydonck. You could see what it meant to Vingegaard at the end.
Although Vingo is crazy good, would love to see Kuss win the Vuelta. And I mean WIN it and not handed it by team orders. Although not sure what team orders are for TJV.
@Kevin Dillon: Angliru tomorrow will reveal all. Looks like they’re going with a strategy of having Vingegaard attack and force the others to decide between trying to follow him (and ideally have Kuss and Roglic sit on their wheel) or wait behind with Kuss. Apparently van Hooydonck is awake and doing well which is great news in what has been a horrific year in the peloton.
I would also love to see Kuss win it, and as you say not be handed it which jumbo could possibly do. To be fair though their best option is letting Jonas attack and see if Kuss can just sit on whoever tries to follow and if he ends up in red at the end brilliant. Putting all their eggs in one basket and using up Jonas and Roglic to be domestique for Kuss would be dangerous even though he’s in red and deservedly so but not sure he would be able to respond to attack after attack. Cracking race and fantastic tactics and options from JV as usual.
@sean murphy: 100% on jumbo’s tactics.ostly always get them right.