Australia
Leinster release Kane Douglas
ESPN Staff
July 23, 2015
Kane Douglas
Kane Douglas© (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Leinster Rugby have confirmed that former Wallabies lock Kane Douglas has been released from his contract with immediate effect.

Douglas, who had a further two years on his Leinster deal, leaves the province with hopes of making Australia's Rugby World Cup squad. He won 14 Test caps for the Wallabies and spent five years with New South Wales Waratahs before his move to Ireland last year - therefore falling short of being available for selection under the 60-Test, seven years' service requirements brought in by the ARU earlier this year.

Leinster manager Guy Easterby confirmed early in July that Australia had made an approach for Douglas to be released ahead of the Rugby Championship and World Cup, with Australian Rugby Union officials taking advantage of a World Rugby regulation that allows overseas-based players to be released for international duty during approved windows.

The 26-year-old forward also released a statement asking for an early compassionate release from his Leinster contract in order to move back to Australia for family reasons.

Second-row appears to be an area of concern for Wallabies coach Michael Chieka, who worked with Douglas during his time at the Waratahs and who is a keen admirer of the lock's skillset. Douglas must now be signed to an Australian Super Rugby franchise in order to be eligible for World Cup selection, or his inclusion could be deemed a mockery of the ARU's overseas policy overhaul, and the Courier-Mail has reported that he is set to join Queensland Reds on a two-year deal, thus reigniting hopes of being included for the World Cup in England.

Douglas leaves the Irish province having made 20 appearances last season, in the Guinness PRO12 and the European Rugby Champions Cup. His campaign suffered a premature end due to a back injury, which required surgery to correct a disc problem.

Following his release, a statement on Leinster's official website read: "Leinster Rugby can confirm that a suitable agreement has been reached to release second row Kane Douglas from his contract with the province with immediate effect. Leinster Rugby would like to wish Kane and Jennarly the best of luck as they return home, and wish Kane well as he competes for World Cup selection with the Wallabies."

© ESPN Staff

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.