Cheika stresses positives of Whitaker's Leinster move

MICHAEL CHEIKA reiterated his commitment to nurturing Irish talent in the wake of Leinster signing Australian scrum-half Chris Whitaker from the NSW Waratahs in a two-year deal.

The lack of a concerted challenge for Peter Stringer's shirt has been of major concern since the Munster man's international debut against Scotland in February 2000, while the controversy over David Humphreys future has again highlighted similar concerns at out-half.

The arrival of a non-national at such a pivotal position is probably indicative of the shortfall in Irish options at the base of the scrum, yet Cheika believes Whitaker's arrival will prove to be positive for both Ireland and Leinster. "I understand there are issues in relation to bringing on Irish players and filling voids. There's also a situation where we want to produce the best team and ensure the other Irish players have the best infrastructures to work with.