Homesick.
When Kane Douglas first arrived from Australia last autumn, there was a bit of skepticism as to how effective the second row would be for Leinster. Sunday Independent columnist Neil Francis eviscerated Douglas in a piece before his arrival, saying of his contribution against the Lions in 2013:
“I first saw Douglas play for the Wallabies in 2013 in the Lions series. My first impression was that in all three matches he was the worst player on the pitch.”
Most people thought that was just a typically bombastic Neil Francis statement but Douglas did struggle to make an impact in his injury-interrupted first season with the province. He joined Leinster from the then Super Rugby champions, NSW Waratahs, and last week his former club coach, Michael Cheika, expressed his desire to bring Douglas into his Australia squad.
Now it appears that Douglas wants to go home and stay home, possibly by joining the Queensland Reds as a replacement for the Harlequins-bound James Horwill.
“There are a few things going on at home that I need to be there for,” Douglas said in a statement.
“I didn’t think it would be this tough to be away from it all and I hope I can get back home real soon. It’s been a good time but also tough here and I have spoken to the club about what’s going on with my family and I have made it pretty clear that I want to get it sorted.”
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Leinster want €250,000 to release Douglas from his contract two years early. The ARU have so far refused but Leinster might be willing to lower the release fee to offload a player who hasn’t been overly impressive in the blue jersey.
