Kane Douglas signs three-year deal with Queensland Reds
Friday 31 July 2015 10:57, UK
Australian forward Kane Douglas has signed a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds, making him eligible to play for the Wallabies at the World Cup.
The 26-year-old was released from his contract with Leinster earlier this month after struggling to adapt to life in Ireland but needed to sign up for one of Australia's five Super Rugby sides to satisfy the Australian Rugby Union's eligibility criteria.
The second-row was a key member of the New South Wales Waratahs team that won the Super Rugby title last year under Michael Cheika, who has since taken over as Wallabies coach.
Cheika was delighted at the return of an abrasive player who, among other attributes, has the strength and technique to lock up Australia's often fragile scrum on the tighthead side.
"It's great to see Kane back playing his rugby in Australia for the long term," Cheika said. "His return will bolster our tight five stocks and that is a strong objective of ours over the next 18 months.
"We will see how Kane is progressing physically over the next week, before considering him for any game time."
Douglas, who won 14 caps for his country before heading to Ireland, missed the latter part of his only season at Leinster because of a back injury.
"It's a really exciting time here for the game and I'm looking forward to being a part of it over the next few years," Douglas said.
"It's great to see the Wallabies build some depth across the park over the past 12 months, especially at lock, and I'll be working hard to fight my way back into contention."
Cheika is expected to name his squad for next week's Rugby Championship Test against world champions New Zealand later on Friday.
Australia face hosts England, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay in a tough opening round pool at the World Cup, which begins in September.
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