Leinster have confirmed that Australian second row Kane Douglas will join the province later this year from the New South Wales Waratahs.
The 24-year-old has been signed to replace the outgoing Leo Cullen, who is hanging up his boots at the end of the season to join Matt O'Connor's coaching staff, and the outgoing Quinn Roux.
Douglas, who has won 13 caps for the Wallabies, has sacrificed a potential place in Australia's World Cup plans for next year to join Leinster.
“It’s a big decision but one which I am very excited about,” he said this morning.
“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.
“Leinster is a massive club in Europe with a proud tradition and I’m really looking forward to doing my bit to add to the team once my commitments are done here in Australia”
Matt O’Connor added: “We are delighted to be able to formally announce Kane’s signing. 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.
"We can also formally confirm Leo Cullen's role as our forwards coach effective July 1st. He will bring a huge amount to Leinster Rugby as a coach and will continue the excellent work that Jono Gibbes has done over the last six seasons.
"As a three-time winning Heineken Cup captain he already commands the respect of the players and that won't change."
