Australia
Leinster confirm approach for Kane Douglas
ESPN Staff
July 6, 2015
Kane Douglas
Kane Douglas© (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Australia have requested the release of Kane Douglas from Leinster for the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup, the Irish region's team manager, Guy Easterby, has revealed.

Douglas won 14 caps for the Wallabies before heading to Ireland last year, and therefore falls well short of being available for his country under their 60-Test rule. But Australia have taken advantage of a World Rugby regulation that allows players to be released for international duty during approved windows. And it appears that both Douglas and South African team-mate Zane Kirchner have Leinster's backing as they aim to secure a World Cup spot.

"Zane Kirchner is also in the initial South African squad and likewise we wish him well," Easterby said. "It reflects positively on Leinster when we have players selected for national squads.

"We have been in discussions with the Australian Rugby Union and with Kane for a few weeks now and we have made our position clear. Kane is contracted to Leinster for another two seasons and we look forward to welcoming him back when his commitments with the ARU come to an end."

That position is likely to leave Douglas' availability at a stalemate with the ARU unlikely to bring the lock home unless he is released entirely from his Leinster contract. When the ARU unveiled its change in protocol on overseas eligibility - the 60-Test and seven years' service that made Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and George Smith available for the Wallabies - they also included a provision for players based overseas who were returning to Australia for the upcoming season.

The Reds are rumoured to be interested in Douglas' services; but without a Australian Super Rugby deal, a return for the just the Rugby Championship and World Cup would make a mockery of the ARU's policy overhaul.

© ESPN Staff

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