Holwell due in Ireland at month's end

New Leinster signing, Wellington and Hurricanes flyhalf David Holwell, will leave for Ireland on September 26, two-thirds of the way through Wellington’s National Provincial Championship campaign.

Holwell has been granted an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Wellington Rugby Union to take up an offer from Leinster.

He is the third Wellington player in recent years to head to Ireland, following Christian Cullen’s departure to Munster and Paul Steinmetz’s switch to Ulster.

Holwell moved to Wellington from Northland six years ago and although he has enjoyed his time in the capital, scoring 589 points in 58 appearances for the Wellington Lions, the chance of a one-year deal overseas was too tempting to turn down.

“It has been a very tough decision for me to make, especially given how much I have enjoyed my time with Wellington,” said Holwell.

“As this was going to be my last NPC season with Wellington, I would have liked to have seen the season out.

“But if I did not go before October the opportunity to secure a one-year deal overseas would have been lost.”

He continued: “I had no intention of playing Super 12 rugby next year as my body is feeling the effects of playing in such a tough competition.

“The overseas opportunity has just come about, so I am glad that I have not been prevented from taking it and I really appreciate the support that the players, coaches and Wellington Rugby have given me, particularly as they are totally focused on winning the NPC.”

Lions coach John Plumtree said that Holwell has been a great servant to Wellington rugby.

“When a player has given as much to the Wellington Lions as David has, naturally we had to take his request in to consideration. We wish David well in Ireland.”