Flutey ready for Irish debut

Riki Flutey could be set to make his debut against Wasps in the Powergen Cup.

London Irish summer signing Riki Flutey could be set to make his debut against Wasps in the Powergen Cup on Sunday.

Flutey arrives from Wellington Hurricanes, having finished his season in New Zealand, and Irish director Brian Smith cannot help but reveal his excitement over the introduction of the versatile back.

"Given the style of positive rugby we want to play we need creative, inventive players," explained Smith.

"Riki is one of the most versatile there is - he can play at nine, ten or 15. We will be introducing him to our plans this week and he could make his first appearance as early as this weekend against London Wasps in the Powergen Cup.

"Riki joins Barry Everitt and Ross Laidlaw in providing us with three, top calibre options at half back going forward into the season."

The Exiles have started the season with a new brand of exciting adventurous rugby, highlighted by a quite superb 80-yard try in their last outing against Bristol, eventually scored by Paul Hodgson.

And Flutey, who brings international experience with him from his time with the New Zealand Maoris, cannot wait to get his first taste of English rugby action.

"I am delighted to be at London Irish and very much looking forward to getting my first taste of rugby in this part of the world," said Flutey.

"We like to believe that the Super 12 tournament is the best there is, having heard lots about the Premiership I now have a chance to make up my own mind!"