Blues Super Rugby coach John Kirwan says he tried to sign Israel Folau
- From: AAP
- November 08, 2012 7:04AM
COMPARISONS: Blues coach John Kirwan says Israel Folau, left, could have matched Sonny Bill Williams.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
BLUES Super Rugby coach John Kirwan admits he tried to sign Australian code-hopper Israel Folau but failed to get a response.
Former Australian and Queensland rugby league back Folau is poised to return to the 13-man code after walking out on a lucrative AFL contract with Greater Western Sydney.
Kirwan said he left an expression of interest with Folau's agent, believing the 23-year-old had potential similar to that of Sonny Bill Williams, who has forged a career in rugby league, rugby union and boxing.
"I didn't hear back so I took that as a no," Kirwan said.
"From what I've heard, he's a talented player. A bit like Sonny Bill, it might take him a while to get used to things but it would be worth the wait."
The
New Zealand Herald reported that Super Rugby champions the Chiefs also pursued Folau.
Kirwan came up short in advances to former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina, who has decided to stay in Japanese club rugby.