Australia
Wallabies making moves for Kane Douglas
ESPN Staff
July 6, 2015
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Former Waratahs forward Kane Douglas could yet be a shock inclusion for the Wallabies' Rugby Championship and World Cup campaigns with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) reportedly contacting Leinster about a possible release.

According to Brisbane's Courier Mail, the ARU has taken the first steps towards securing Douglas under World Rugby Regulation 9 which forces clubs to release players during Test windows. The Wallabies are hoping to bring Douglas home for back-to-back Bledisloe Cup encounters, giving him the opportunity to prove himself ahead of the World Cup.

The 26-year-old lock was a vital cog in the Waratahs' 2014 Super Rugby title run before he jetted off to Ireland to join Leinster. Douglas then endured a mixed first season in Europe, battling injury and form as the Irish giants reached the semi-finals of the Rugby Champions Cup but struggled to a fifth place finish in the Guinness PRO12.

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The second-row remains Australia's biggest area of concern ahead of the World Cup, providing a guide as to why Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is keen to bring Douglas home. Rob Simmons, James Horwill, Dean Mumm, Dave Dennis, Will Skelton and Rory Arnold were all last week included in a 40-man training squad while Sam Carter was left out due to injury.

Douglas' return would seemingly make a mockery of the ARU's new overseas player policy which last week saw the recalls of the Toulon-based Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell. Former Wallabies back-rower George Smith is also expected to join Cheika's squad under the 60-Test, seven years' service requirements ratified by the ARU earlier this year.

Douglas currently has just 14 Tests to his name and played only five years with the Waratahs.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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