Overview
- Reports across outlets on Monday said the IRFU has stepped up its pursuit of 22‑year‑old Massimo De Lutiis, with Bernard Jackman stating the prop has an offer on the table.
- Rugby Australia is trying to keep the Queensland Reds tighthead, and the player is weighing his next move.
- De Lutiis qualifies for Ireland through family but cannot play Test rugby for Ireland until November 2027 because he lined out for Australia A in November 2024.
- The 6'2, 126kg front‑rower is seen as a high‑ceiling prospect, yet he has only a handful of senior Reds games after a quad injury in 2024 and recent setbacks that include a fractured wrist and plantar fasciitis.
- The IRFU’s push reflects pressure at tighthead in Ireland’s system, where injuries and aging starters have thinned depth and prompted a search for Irish‑qualified talent abroad.