Sources close to World Cup-winning All Black Isaia Toeava confirm he has been in contact with Samoan rugby officials but he declined to comment when contacted by ONE News.
Sydney, (Independent News) 29 July 2014 - The Irish Independent understands that the New Zealand-born 27-year-old, who plies his trade with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and represented Samoa at international level, spent time in Dublin in recent weeks with a view to completing a move at the end of the season.
Te’o, who represented Queensland in the prestigious State of Origin clashes this season, is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has stated his desire to leave.
His name was linked with the Pro12 champions in reports in the Australian media last month, while a number of French clubs were also believed to be interested in his signature.
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O’Connor, a former Wallaby centre who has played both codes during his playing career, is believed to be a big fan of the hard-running, 6ft 2in, 16 and a half stone Aucklander who grew up playing union in his native country.
O’Driscoll’s retirement has left Leinster with a sizeable void in the outside centre channel and Casey Laulala’s departure from Munster allows the province to bring in a non-Irish qualified option under the IRFU’s rules.
Fergus McFadden wore the famous No 13 jersey during Ireland’s summer tour of Argentina, while Luke Fitzgerald is an option if he can overcome his recurring injury problems and Brendan Macken was the former Ireland captain’s provincial back-up last season.
No stranger to controversy, Te’o was yesterday cited for a dangerous tackle during his side’s win over Canberra.
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