Irish put offers on the table for Aussie cavalry
LONDON IRISH have made Melbourne Rebels lock Adam Coleman a massive offer to become one of three Wallaby stars they want to sign post World Cup. Blindside understands that the 27-year-old from Hobart will be a marquee player if he moves to the Home Counties. Coleman, who is the son of former Tonga captain Pau’u Lolohea-Afeaki, joined the Rebels when the Western Force lost their Super Rugby licence. He started his career at the NSW Waratahs and captained the Rebels last season after penning a two-year contract which comes to an end at the conclusion of next season.
The Exiles, who have been relegated twice in three years, are bidding for a quick return to the Premiership and are trying to build a squad to compete next season.
Irish’s director of rugby Declan Kidney is also closing in on one of the Wallabies’ rising stars, Curtis Rona, who started his career in the NRL.
The 26-year-old turned down the chance to return to League in 2017 because he wanted to play at the World Cup later this year.
Rona, who also started his Union career at Western Force, signed a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs which ends after the Japan showpiece.
It’s also believed that Irish have got Waratahs scrumhalf Nick Phipps, 30, in their sights.
Phipps, who has 70 international caps, is also keen to move to the Premiership at the end of the year.