LEINSTER HAVE TODAY announced their latest second row signing, Australian international Kane Douglas.
The 24-year-old lock will arrive from the Waratahs with 14 international caps under his belt – including all three of last summer’s Tests against the Lions.
A powerful ball-carrier and presence at the set-piece, the 6′ 7″ Douglas promises to form a formidable alliance with Devin Toner in the Leinster pack, once the Australian’s current ARU contract expires later this year.
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“It’s a big decision but one which I am very excited about,” Douglas said in today’s statement from the province.
“I’ve had plenty of time to weigh lots of things up and the time is right for me and my partner to experience something new and something totally different. We are heading for a new challenge in life and that’s what excites us.”
Since Matt O’Connor’s arrival in Ireland, Leinster have steered away from publicising the length of new contracts. However, it is believed that Douglas has committed to two years with the eastern province. That period, under normal circumstances, would see Douglas ruled out of Australia’s World Cup squad next year.
“For a young guy he already has a wealth of rugby knowledge and experience under his belt and we also feel that he has the right character to succeed at Leinster,” O’Connor says of his fellow Australian.
Along with the coup of signing Douglas, Leinster have also confirmed their backroom team for next season, with Richie Murphy becoming assistant coach and Marco Caputo coming into Leo Cullen’s forwards coaching team as scrum coach.
“I’ve known Marco for a long time,” O’Connor said of the former Brumbies hooker, “and have been impressed by the work he has been doing at the various clubs that he has coached.
“When you look at our squad we have a great cross section of experience and youth in the front row who have all developed under the tutelage of Greg Feek, and who are all eager to improve and challenge themselves further at the highest level.”
Leinster confirm signing of Wallaby lock Kane Douglas
LEINSTER HAVE TODAY announced their latest second row signing, Australian international Kane Douglas.
The 24-year-old lock will arrive from the Waratahs with 14 international caps under his belt – including all three of last summer’s Tests against the Lions.
A powerful ball-carrier and presence at the set-piece, the 6′ 7″ Douglas promises to form a formidable alliance with Devin Toner in the Leinster pack, once the Australian’s current ARU contract expires later this year.
“It’s a big decision but one which I am very excited about,” Douglas said in today’s statement from the province.
“I’ve had plenty of time to weigh lots of things up and the time is right for me and my partner to experience something new and something totally different. We are heading for a new challenge in life and that’s what excites us.”
Since Matt O’Connor’s arrival in Ireland, Leinster have steered away from publicising the length of new contracts. However, it is believed that Douglas has committed to two years with the eastern province. That period, under normal circumstances, would see Douglas ruled out of Australia’s World Cup squad next year.
“For a young guy he already has a wealth of rugby knowledge and experience under his belt and we also feel that he has the right character to succeed at Leinster,” O’Connor says of his fellow Australian.
Here’s Douglas’ highlight reel.
Along with the coup of signing Douglas, Leinster have also confirmed their backroom team for next season, with Richie Murphy becoming assistant coach and Marco Caputo coming into Leo Cullen’s forwards coaching team as scrum coach.
“I’ve known Marco for a long time,” O’Connor said of the former Brumbies hooker, “and have been impressed by the work he has been doing at the various clubs that he has coached.
“When you look at our squad we have a great cross section of experience and youth in the front row who have all developed under the tutelage of Greg Feek, and who are all eager to improve and challenge themselves further at the highest level.”
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