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Luke McLean
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Key Information
Luke McLean (born 29 June 1987) is a former professional rugby union footballer who played as a fullback. Born in Australia to an Italian mother, he won 89 caps for the Italy national team.
Personal life
[edit]McLean was born in Townsville, Queensland.[1]
His mother's parents are both Italian; however, his grandfather had to give up his Italian citizenship to buy land in Australia.[2]
McLean attended St. Laurence's College, in South Brisbane, during his schooling years. He was College captain in 2004.
Career
[edit]Club career
[edit]McLean played for Perth Spirit in the Australian Rugby Championship before joining Italian team Calvisano in 2007, turning down a training contract with Western Force.[3] McLean joined Benetton Treviso in 2009 where he played over 80 games. In mid 2014 he signed with the Sale Sharks on a two-year deal. McLean would then return to Benetton Treviso in Italy from the 2015–16 season.
On 2 June 2017 it was announced he had signed for London Irish in the English Premiership.[4] He retired at the conclusion of the 2018–19 season.
International career
[edit]McLean was eligible for both Australia, being his country of birth, and Italy, due to his Italian grandmother. He represented the Australia under-19 side, helping the side to win the World under-19 championships.[3] He made his international debut for Italy against 2007 Rugby World Cup winners South Africa on 21 June 2008 in Cape Town. Italy were defeated 26–0.[5]
McLean scored his first international points on his Six Nations debut in the 36–11 defeat to England at Twickenham on 7 February 2009.[6] He scored two penalties in the first-half.[6] He then played against Ireland on 15 February, scoring all of Italy's nine points, converting three penalties in the 38–9 defeat at Stadio Flaminio, Rome.[7] McLean scored a further three points kicking a penalty in the 26–6 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield on 28 February.[8] He featured in Italy's 20–15 loss to Wales on 15 March 2008 at Stadio Flaminio, failing to score any of Italy's points.[9][10] McLean played in Italy's last Six Nations 2009 match against France on 21 March, losing 50–8.[11]
McLean played a part in Italy's two match series on tour against Australia and New Zealand in 2009, scoring the majority of Italy's points.[12] He scored a try against England in the 2013 Six Nations Championship.
In 2017, McLean played in all of Italy's 6 Nations matches and took on the role as one of the team's primary play-makers, playing at inside centre.
References
[edit]- ^ Walton, Darren (6 November 2008). "Aussie five-eighth overlooked for Italy". We Love Rugby. Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
- ^ "Aussie bids to help Italy beat Ireland". Racing and Sports. 14 February 2009. Archived from the original on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
- ^ a b "Cool hand Luke out to do Italian job". Fox Sports. 8 November 2008. Archived from the original on 13 September 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ "NEW SIGNING: Italian international joins London Irish". London Irish. London Irish Scottish Richmond Ltd. Retrieved 2 June 2017.[dead link]
- ^ "South Africa 26–0 Italy". BBC Sport. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ a b "England 36–11 Italy". BBC Sport. 7 February 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2009.
- ^ "Ireland maintain their unbeaten start to Six Nations". London: The Times. 15 February 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Drabble, Joe (28 February 2009). "Spoon looms for Azzurri". Sky Sports. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
- ^ Cain, Nick (15 March 2009). "Wales endure red-face day". London: The Times. Retrieved 15 March 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Davies, Sean (14 March 2009). "Italy 15–20 Wales". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
- ^ Standley, James (21 March 2009). "Italy 8–50 France". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 March 2009.
- ^ Gilhooly, Daniel (28 June 2009). "All Blacks Disappoint in Stuttering Win". voxy.co.nz. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
External links
[edit]- Luke McLean player profile at rugbycalvisano.it at the Wayback Machine (archived 2011-05-27) (in Italian)