Lote Tuqiri lands in Dublin to join Leinster ranks

Lote Tuqiri has landed in Dublin. The Fijian born superstar is to pen a short three-month deal with Rabo Direct Pro 12 and Amlin Cup Champions Leinster.

The Australian international has been brought in by Matt O’Connor as cover for South African, Zane Kirchner, who isn’t expected to arrive back to Ireland until the end of October at the very latest due to his involvement in the Rugby Championship.

Tuqiri and O’Connor are no strangers to each other – The 34 year old dual code international played under Leinster’s new head-coach at Leicester Tigers in 2009.

However his arrival to Ireland doesn’t solve the conundrum the league champions face in seeking a new centre after the un-timely retirement of Eoin O’Malley due to injury.

With Leinster playing their first home match of the new season in the RDS tomorrow against Ospreys, can fans expect to see Tuqiri playing?

Forwards coach Jonno Gibbes says “He’s just here and he’s just finished his season so he is here but he’s doing the formalities and doing the medical stuff, having a look around and looking for a work permit.” Gibbes added “We have to wait for the permit to come through before he gets out playing – It just worked out timing wise at the end of his season just to get him over here.”

Tuqiri has made 67 appearances for the Wallabies and scored 30 tries. The question is if there will be the possibility of extending his contract when the three months come to an end?

Jonno Gibbes isn’t really to sure about that. “I wouldn’t think so no – But I’m sure that with the wealth of experience he has, Lote will hopefully make a big impact on the province even though he’s only here for three months.”

Tuqiri played 52 games for the Tigers in four seasons at the club, which were marred by injury.

After playing a leading role in the club's march to the preliminary final in 2010, the veteran winger managed just a handful of appearances over the last two campaigns.

Tuqiri has played 151 NRL games, including a stint at the Broncos where he won a premiership in 2000.