Hewat to join Exiles

Peter Hewat has been granted a release from the NSW Waratahs and will join London Irish at the end of the inaugural Mazda Australian Rugby Championships in October.

The agreement comes after a turbulent few months which included the highly-publicised ’speakerphone incident’ -which saw Hewat overhear a Wallabies selector openly criticising him to Lote Tuqiri.

“I’m very relieved. It’s been a tough process and one that’s gone on for a couple of months. I’m very relieved it’s all over now,” he said.

“There comes a time when I suppose you think you’re going to go no further in Australia – and I think I’ve reached that point.”

“I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve spent here. There’s no better feeling than running on to Aussie Stadium in a sky-blue jersey – and I owe Ewen (McKenzie) for giving me an opportunity where no one else did.”