New full back on a two week trial
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 1:53 pm
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sp ... rish-stew/
FOR the third time this season, Manly will lose one of their stars to European rugby because of a baffling lack of interest from local Super 15 franchises.
In a move that will rock the Marlins Shute Shield ambitions, brilliant fullback Adam D’Arcy will fly out of Australia on Sunday for a two-week trial with Irish giants Ulster in the hope of securing a lucrative long-term contract.
His departure comes just a fortnight after powerful winger Nemani Nadolo left for French club Bourgoin, with outstanding No.8 Marlon Solofuti starting the trend by linking with Pau in June.
But D’Arcy, who has held an academy contract with the Waratahs for the past three seasons, felt that limited local interest had pushed him overseas.
“It was evident a month or two ago that I was probably going to just be offered another academy contract with the Waratahs,” the 24-year-old told The Manly Daily.
“I could probably stay in the academy and just wait for a few injuries, but this opportunity is probably the best (for me).”
The popular Marlin sought options in Ireland because he holds Irish citizenship, thanks to his grandfather.
“I want to play top rugby and I’ve got Irish citizenship, so I told (my manager) that my preference would be to play in Ireland because the standard is pretty high,” he said.
“It’s unexpected, and I didn’t think it would come from this type of club, in a very competitive competition.
“It’s really the next best thing than getting a top Super 14 contract and it’s not a done deal but if they like what they see they will offer me a full-time contract.”
The news could not come at a worse time for the Marlins, who want to build some momentum over the final five rounds of competition leading into the finals.
Manly coach Phil Blake admits the loss of the dashing fullback is a blow, but doesn’t begrudge his star players seeking all avenues to further their careers.
“The timing isn’t terrific but you learn to deal with these things,” Blake said.
“If I was in their shoes, I’d be doing the same,” he said.
“It’s just the nature of the beast.
“This is a great opportunity for Adam and he goes with our best wishes.”
Blake was the first person D’Arcy called when he learned of the trial offer on Tuesday.
“He put it all into perspective and gave me some good advice, and I went from there,” D’Arcy said.
“That was the first thing I thought about when I heard the news, that I’d have to leave this team ... even if it was just for two weeks.
“We’ve got a pretty special bond there.”
The Marlins play Gordon at Chatswood Oval. Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday.
FOR the third time this season, Manly will lose one of their stars to European rugby because of a baffling lack of interest from local Super 15 franchises.
In a move that will rock the Marlins Shute Shield ambitions, brilliant fullback Adam D’Arcy will fly out of Australia on Sunday for a two-week trial with Irish giants Ulster in the hope of securing a lucrative long-term contract.
His departure comes just a fortnight after powerful winger Nemani Nadolo left for French club Bourgoin, with outstanding No.8 Marlon Solofuti starting the trend by linking with Pau in June.
But D’Arcy, who has held an academy contract with the Waratahs for the past three seasons, felt that limited local interest had pushed him overseas.
“It was evident a month or two ago that I was probably going to just be offered another academy contract with the Waratahs,” the 24-year-old told The Manly Daily.
“I could probably stay in the academy and just wait for a few injuries, but this opportunity is probably the best (for me).”
The popular Marlin sought options in Ireland because he holds Irish citizenship, thanks to his grandfather.
“I want to play top rugby and I’ve got Irish citizenship, so I told (my manager) that my preference would be to play in Ireland because the standard is pretty high,” he said.
“It’s unexpected, and I didn’t think it would come from this type of club, in a very competitive competition.
“It’s really the next best thing than getting a top Super 14 contract and it’s not a done deal but if they like what they see they will offer me a full-time contract.”
The news could not come at a worse time for the Marlins, who want to build some momentum over the final five rounds of competition leading into the finals.
Manly coach Phil Blake admits the loss of the dashing fullback is a blow, but doesn’t begrudge his star players seeking all avenues to further their careers.
“The timing isn’t terrific but you learn to deal with these things,” Blake said.
“If I was in their shoes, I’d be doing the same,” he said.
“It’s just the nature of the beast.
“This is a great opportunity for Adam and he goes with our best wishes.”
Blake was the first person D’Arcy called when he learned of the trial offer on Tuesday.
“He put it all into perspective and gave me some good advice, and I went from there,” D’Arcy said.
“That was the first thing I thought about when I heard the news, that I’d have to leave this team ... even if it was just for two weeks.
“We’ve got a pretty special bond there.”
The Marlins play Gordon at Chatswood Oval. Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday.
