Easterby: Te’o will give Leinster boost

Two weeks on from the long-awaited arrival of Kane Douglas, Leinster coach Matt O’Connor is set to welcome another southern hemisphere recruit into his squad.

A deal for New Zealand-born rugby league star Ben Te’o was agreed back on August 12, but because the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ season was extended until last Sunday’s NRL Grand Final success over Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, his Leinster debut has been delayed.

The addition of the imposing Te’o is a timely boost to a side that is struggling with injuries and form, and even though the leap to rugby union is a massive one, Leinster team manager Guy Easterby is confident the 27-year-old can adapt quickly.