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Leinster have confirmed that lock Kane Douglas will leave the club with immediate effect. Douglas will leave Dublin and head back to Australia citing a desire to be closer to his family as the reason for his return.
Douglas signed for Leinster last May but leaves the province with two years left on his contract after an indifferent debut season where the Australian struggled for form and battled injury. Douglas made 20 appearances for the club last season, including six appearances in Leinster’s Champions Cup run, and the big Australian will be missed by the club during September’s Rugby World Cup where the province is already missing some players.
In a statement released by the club earlier today – “Leinster Rugby would like to wish Kane and Jennarly the best of luck as they return home, and we wish Kane well as he competes for World Cup selection with the Wallabies.”
“There are a few things going on at home that I need to be there for,” Douglas said recently.
“I didn’t think it would be this tough to be away from it all and I hope I can get back home real soon.
“It’s been a good time but also tough here. I have spoken to the club about what’s going on with my family and I’ve made it pretty clear that I want to get it sorted.”
Douglas initially requested a temporary release from his contract in a bid to be available for the Wallabies World Cup squad, but after Leinster’s demands for compensation were not met, the club have now decided to grant Douglas a permanent release from his contract.
Douglas is tipped to sign with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane where his family is based and will likely replace departing captain James Horwill in the Reds second row. Douglas continues to recover from back surgery received in April and will be available to Michael Cheika and his coaching staff upon re-signing with the ARU.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.