Leinster have signed Ben Te'o from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The 27 year old Samoan international has primarily been a rugby league player so far in his career, but is now set to make the move to Union as a potential replacement for Brian O'Driscoll in Leinster's centre.
He'll join up with his new teammates when the Rabbitohs season ends next month.
Te'o has spoken about the move, saying it’s “Leinster is one of the leading lights of Northern Hemisphere rugby and the opportunity to return to union was also an opportunity too good to pass”.
Leinster Coach Matt O'Connor admits Te’o is a player he has had his eye on for a long time.
"Ben is someone that we have taken an active interest in for some time now in particular as he made his intentions to change codes some time ago. I was home during the summer and met with him a number of times. He is keen and eager to make a lasting impression at Leinster and to develop into a world class rugby player.
O’Connor also described the new signing as “a dynamic and explosive ball carrier”, adding that his “physicality will enhance our offering both in attack and in our defence”.
Leinster kick off their Pro 12 campaign against the Glasgow Warriors on the 6th of September.
