Skip to main content
BBC SPORT / LEINSTER
Graphics Version | Change to International Version | BBC News Home
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics | Sport Relief | Other sport... | 606 | Sport Academy | Health & Fitness | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Rugby Union Contents:  Live scores | English | Irish | Scottish | Welsh | My Club | Skills | Laws & Equipment | Get Involved

10:17 GMT, Tuesday, 22 April 2008 11:17 UK

Leinster clinch deal for Nacewa

Isa Nacewa

Leinster have signed versatile back Isa Nacewa from Super 14 side the Blues in a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old, who also plays for the Auckland provincial team, will make the move later this year at the end of his contractual obligations in New Zealand.

"Isa's versatility as either a midfield or back three player makes him a threat as an out and out try scorer," said Leinster coach Michael Cheika.

"He will add great depth to our backline for next year."

"Isa will also increase our kicking options. He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to his arrival in the summer."

The decision to leave New Zealand was a difficult one for Nacewa, but he is looking forward to the move.

"I really enjoy playing for the Blues and Auckland but am very aware I have to make the most of my playing career while I can," he said

"All of us in this game know it is for a finite time-period so it really comes down to making smart decisions short and long-term.

"Having a shot at the All Blacks was and will continue to be my long-term goal.

"But the reality is that's not an option for me right now, so I have to get on with my career."

At the 2003 World Cup, a 21-year-old Nacewa was called into the Fiji squad and spent two minutes on the field.

At the time he didn't know this would render him ineligible to ever play for New Zealand.



E-mail this to a friend

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Leinster Rugby
IRFU
Leinster fans' views on 606
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC SPORT: 

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics | Sport Relief | Other sport... | 606 | Sport Academy | Health & Fitness | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Rugby Union Contents:  Live scores | English | Irish | Scottish | Welsh | My Club | Skills | Laws & Equipment | Get Involved

^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©