Kane Douglas is understood to have agreed to a two-year deal with Leinster that would rule him out of contention for the 2015 World Cup.
The 14-Test cap Wallaby locks omission from the World Cup squad due to the Australian’s policy to not pick foreign based players would be a massive blow according to his Warartahs team mates.
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Waratahs loose forward Stephen Hoiles warned that such a loss would create a massive void.
“I don’t think we can afford to lose players like that.”
“I don’t know if Australian rugby can afford to lose the likes of locks in particular.”
“He has played like 80 minutes of every game for us this year.”
“His work rate is pretty immense and at such a young age for a tight forward you ’d still think there is still some opportunity to get him back post World Cup.”
Waratahs fullback Israel Folau may be poles apart positionally from Douglas, but he has been struck by Douglas’ physicality this season.
“We have seen a massive change [from] the workload he has done during the off-season in games,” Folau said.
“What I love about ‘Kano’… is seeing him in the defence line, rushing up and making those big hits.”
“That is what he brings to the team – that physical presence.”
“Him and Jacques [Potgieter], that’s what they bring together.”
“Being his teammates we would love for him to be around, but as for the decision he, that’s his personal thing.”
“Whatever he decides to do, I am sure it is the best thing for him.”
However, Folau, who is off contract next year, said Douglas’ expected move amid increasing fears of an ensuing exodus of Australian players would not influence any decision he makes on his future.
“I’m having a ball and I’m enjoying my time here,” Folau said.
“The Tahs are playing a good game of rugby.”
“Obviously, there are a lot of opportunities that I can take up, either going overseas or even with rugby league.”
“But Kano’s decision definitely won’t affect mine. I am really enjoying my time and thinking about what I want to do really.”
Waratahs second-rower Will Skelton said Douglas will not only be missed for what he brings to the team physically and technically as a tight forward, but also as a mentor.
Skelton says Douglas helped him develop into the player he is now since he made his Super Rugby debut last year.
“If you look back a few years for ‘Kano’ … I am sort of sitting in that same position. He made his debut at my age.”
“Last year I was 21, and he made his debut [in 2010]. So I have been sort of following in his footsteps.”
“I ask him for advice and he always looks to help me with little areas, like being at places on time, or before set piece … to calm me down and get my focus on the task.”