Leinster to delay Tuqiri debut

Lote Tuqiri is unlikely to feature for Leinster against Glasgow Warriors this weekend despite being officially signed on a short-term contract by the province yesterday on foot of his clearance for a work permit.

The veteran dual Australian international has been drafted in by coach Matt O’Connor to cover for summer signing Zane Kirchner who is currently on Rugby Championship duties with his native South Africa. Tuqiri, who was born in Fiji but represented both the Wallabies and the Kangaroos, has just wrapped up a rugby league season in Australia with the Wests Tigers and is thus in decent shape, but has only begun training with Leinster this week.

That makes next Saturday week’s home RDS clash with the Cardiff Blues a more realistic date for the winger’s bow in blue and O’Connor, who coached Tuqiri for a year at Leicester Tigers, is delighted to have the 33-year old on board.

“We are delighted to welcome a player of Lote’s calibre and his enthusiasm to make a positive impression at Leinster is exciting for both his new team-mates and supporters alike,” said the head man.

“A consummate professional, Lote has a wealth of experience in the game and we believe he will play an important role over the coming weeks.”

Tuqiri started his professional rugby career in league and represented Australia before switching to union. He graduated to the international scene with a debut against Ireland in Perth and starred at the 2003 World Cup.

Leinster have not revealed the exact length of his contract but it is believed Tuqiri will be in Dublin for the next three months and will thus be available for the first four rounds of the Heineken Cup.