Ireland rugby out to poach huge Australian prospect in problem position

This would be some steal.

Daily Telegraph journalist, Jamie Pandaram, has said that the IRFU are looking to bring the Irish-qualified Massimo De Lutiis to these shores in an 'eye-watering' deal.

The 22-year-old Queensland Reds tighthead prop has starred for the Australia U20s, Australia XV, and was called into senior camp last year and included in a January camp in 2026.

South Africa prodigy Josh Neill recently switched allegiances to Ireland, proving that the IRFU can sway even the best talent from foreign countries.

And this would be a particularly big coup, considering Ireland's lack of options/depth at tighthead.

However, despite qualifying through a maternal grandparent, De Lutiis would not be eligible to play until November 2027, due to the game he played for Australia XV.

However, De Lutiis last year spoke about his desire to play for the Wallabies.

He said: “I really want to get a Wallabies cap this year. Whether that happens or not, it’s not really in my control. I can only put my best foot forward.

“The first time it was like ‘oh my god, what’s happening’ and there is a lot of overthinking going on. This time around, especially with the diary, it’s helped not to be as worried and focus on the task at hand.”