Leinster in the hunt to sign Aussie star

Leinster appear to have signalled their intention on bringing Australian superstar Drew Michell to Dublin 4.

It was reported about a month ago by Australian media that he could be on his way out of current club Waratahs and could be a prime replacement for Isa Nacewa, who’s heading back to New Zealand with his family at the end of the season.

Another Waratah and Wallaby name to have been mentioned recently is Adam Ashley Cooper, however he signed a two-year extension at the club where former Leinster coach Michael Cheika is based now.

Mitchell, who has played 32 times for Waratahs, is one of the most prolific try scorers in Super Rugby history and has over 80 points to his name there, not to mention, over 150 points he has as an international player.

You would have to think Leinster fans would very much welcome his arrival to the RDS.

He started playing for Waratahs in 2010, after previously having stints at Reds and Western Force.

However he is out of contract at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Leinster have responded to these claims for the first time this week.

At training in UCD yesterday, head coach Joe Schmidt said: “We were just trying to find out if he was available, that’s all.”

“You try to get a bit of a feel of players, who you think might fit the bill, hes a left winger and a class player.”

With the British and Irish Lions set to tour Australia this summer, Joe Schmidt could go over, while looking at any of his players who may get selected, with another eye on Mitchell, Schmidt though won’t confirm that.

“He's a player who hasn’t played too often in recent years through injury, so hes probably flying below the radar slightly,” Schmidt added.

“Unfortunately I think he scored at the weekend, so he’s probably back on the radar”

Again, refusing to confirm or deny if he wants him at the province, the Leinster coach said: “I think at the moment, were just looking at options, we have been doing that for the last couple of months, since Isa decided to go back to New Zealand.

“We will keep our eye on things and hopefully we will have a steer on things in the next few weeks.”

Last Friday, Leinster announced a bucket load of players who had signed new deals at the European Champions, with Cian Healy and Mike McCarthy adding three years.

Sixteen players including Sean Cronin, Rob Kearney, Mike Ross and Richardt Strauss, committed two years while Leo Cullen was among five to sign only one year.

Schmidt said: “We want to get clarity around our squad for next year, but we are delighted to have retained the players we have.”