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Leinster pull off Fardy coup
By Peter Thompson
Pro12 leaders Leinster have pulled off a coup by signing Australia international Scott Fardy from Brumbies.
A matter of hours after Brumbies confirmed that Fardy would end his six-year stay with the Super Rugby club at the end of the season, Leinster announced they have landed the 32-year-old flanker.
Fardy, capped 39 times for the Wallabies, has not ruled out playing in the 2019 World Cup but is eager to take on a new challenge before then.
Leinster Rugby head Coach Leo Cullen said: "Scott is a player of considerable talent and experience and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Leinster.
"In order to compete consistently on two fronts in the Pro12 and the Champions Cup we need to have competition across the team and while Scott has played a lot of rugby in the back row, we have signed Scott as a second row and believe he will complement the second row options that we already have here in Leinster.
"It is certainly an exciting announcement for the team and for our supporters ahead of next season."
BREAKING: @Scottfardy to join Leinster at the end of the Super Rugby season... https://t.co/8dyr1QfIGi #ScottFardy pic.twitter.com/rd3Xq0jB1T
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) March 3, 2017
Fardy stated: "I am delighted to be joining Leinster Rugby a club with a rich heritage and a proud tradition.
"I've enjoyed hugely my time with the Brumbies since making my debut in 2012 but this is an exciting opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new club and a different country.
"I am very grateful to the Brumbies and the Australian fans for all the support over the years and I am committed to seeing out the Super Rugby season in a positive manner and that continues this weekend against the Sharks."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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