London Irish Features

Fresh off the plane, he spoke to our rugby reporter, Graham McKechnie.

Listen to the interview here or read excerpts below:

You're looking a little bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, but what are your first impressions of London Irish.

"They seem a great bunch of guys. I'm just really looking forward to getting out there and playing, whenever that may be. The guys have been fantastic."

It was a long saga getting you here, and sorting out your contract with New South Wales. It must be a relief to have sorted it all out?

"It was a bit of a saga in terms of getting a release from the last year of my contract, but I was lucky that the people at London Irish were patient and it finally happened.

"I've left there with some good memories - we've just won the inaugural ARC.  I'm very happy with the way things ended up in Australia and I'm very excited about things at London Irish. "

Why London Irish?  Was it a question of Brian Smith's contacts in Australia?

"Yes, that had a little bit to do with it.  I've been speaking to Brian for about six months now and I like the way he goes about things.  I spoke closely to Scott Staniforth, who had great success here and really enjoyed himself - that was a major factor in choosing London Irish."

Have you had a chance to see the way Irish play?

"We don't see a lot of games back in Oz, but you get to read about how they play and it's a style of rugby that I like to play.  And speaking to the guys, they're keen to get back to that this weekend and hopefully get a good win."

Tell us a bit about yourself...from Sydney?

"I'm actually originally from Inverill - a country town in New South Wales - but I spent the last five years in Sydney. 

Was the fact that you didn't break into the Wallabies squad the decisive factor in you coming to London Irish?

"I think so.  I was always looking to come over to Europe.  That factor probably fast-forwarded it - a year earlier than I expected.  Every player playing at that level wants to play for Australia and I'm no different. 

"There comes a time when you think that's dead and buried.  I'd reached the stage where I thought I'd gone as far as I could in Australian rugby. 

"Now's the best time for me to come to work abroad...and here I am."

Have you brought family over with you as well?

"I've brought my partner over...it's a new start for her as well.  We're both very excited by the move to London Irish.  We've heard it's a nice family club, so hopefully we'll settle in as soon as possible and get into the rugby."

And you've heard about the St Patrick's Day Party?

"It's been a good one on the calendar for the past 29 years as it's my birthday.  I'm looking forward to celebrating it here, and with the St Pat's day history here, it's going to be a great day."

It was actually warmer here than in Sydney a week ago, but it's turning cold. Are you going to be able to cope?

"You better ask me in a week or two.  It's nice today, but the rumours are that it's going to turn a little chilly, so I'll have the skins and all the rugs, that's for sure."

And the message from Brian is don't necessarily rule you out of an appearance on Sunday?

"I only got in yesterday (Tuesday), so am feeling a little bit tired at the moment.  Speaking with Brian, not only today but before I got here.  We're just going to see how I flew and we'll make the decision later in the week.  But whatever they want me to do, I'm very happy to do."