Rugby: Anesi eyes Waratahs

Former All Black Sosene Anesi has expressed interest in playing for the Waratahs. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - One-time All Black Sosene Anesi is in talks with the New South Wales Waratahs to be their marquee import for the next Super 14 rugby season.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey confirmed the Chiefs and Waikato speedster, who played his solitary test against Fiji in 2005, was a leading contender to cross the Tasman.

"We were approached by his management and he has expressed some interest about playing with the Waratahs next year," Hickey told The Australian newspaper.

"We'll see where those talks develop over the next fortnight.

"He's a quality player. He has versatility. He can play wing, fullback, 13. He would be a really good candidate for that outside back position, but there are two or three players we are speaking to and he's one of them."

A shoulder injury ruined much of Anesi's Super 14 season with the Chiefs this year.

A transtasman shift would see Anesi follow the footsteps of another former All Black, flanker Daniel Braid, who joined the Queensland Reds this season.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) last year changed its eligibility rules to allow that country's Super 14 franchises to each sign one marquee overseas import.

Hickey said the Waratahs were looking to sign an outside back after their top choice, Digby Ioane, indicated he would likely stay in Queensland.

The Waratahs are forming an impressive backline after they yesterday confirmed the signing of Wallabies second five-eighth Berrick Barnes from the struggling Reds.

Anesi, 28, could potentially make up a dangerous Waratahs back three alongside Wallabies wingers Drew Mitchell - signed from the Western Force this week - and Lachie Turner.

- NZPA