While the IRFU continue to make efforts to improve the conveyer belt of young talent in Irish rugby, they have also explored the possibility of bringing in Ireland-eligible players from overseas.
Mack Hansen is the biggest success story in recent times, coming over from Australia and finding himself in the test squad inside 12 months. South African born Josh Neill looks like another fantastic recruit, already starring at U20 level.
Those two players qualified for Ireland via their mother and grandfather respectively. Another such player could now be on his way to Ireland, something that is causing waves in his home country.
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Australia’s Top Prospect Close To Ireland Switch
Massimo De Lutiis is widely regarded as the top prospect in Australian rugby, with the tighthead prop having long been tipped for a big career at test level.
The 22-year old was previously brought in by head coach Joe Schmidt to train with the test squad before he had even made his senior club debut, pointing towards the esteem he is held in. However, it now seems as though he could be about to switch international allegiances.
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Australian outlet The Daily Telegraph are reporting that Massimo De Lutiis has been offered a ‘life-changing’ contract by the IRFU in an attempt to convince him to commit his international future to Ireland.
The Queensland Reds man qualifies for Ireland through his mother’s side of the family. He has previously lined out for Australia ‘A’, meaning the process of making him eligible to wear green would be a slightly more complicated one. However, he would eventually be allowed to represent the country.
He would also potentially solve a problem position in the Irish squad, with Andy Farrell’s side having struggled in the scrum in recent times. The player’s physical prowess has been well covered in Australia, with De Lutiis bench press of 202.5kg the heaviest ever recorded at Queensland Reds.
Massimo De Lutiis makes shifting 202.5kg of tin look easy 🤯💪 pic.twitter.com/3qSW8wgbR2
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) April 2, 2024
He has also held discussions with the Aussies over a new deal, although it is suggested that their contract offer is ‘poles apart’ from the sum being offered by the IRFU and he is leaning towards making the move as things stand.
It is unclear what club De Lutiis would play for should he make the move from Down Under. However, some online sleuths have noticed that the player is currently following Ulster Rugby on Instagram. He also follows Irish Rugby, but none of the other three provinces.
The financial issues in Australian rugby have been well documented, and while they were eased somewhat on the back of last year’s Lions tour to the country, they may struggle to match the spending power of the IRFU.
Massimo De Lutiis was the only uncapped player called up to Australia’s January training camp and had been tipped for a test debut later this year. However, he is currently sidelined with foot and wrist injuries.
His current deal expires at the end of 2026.
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