Holwell eyes Irish

David Holwell reckons he is blessed. He's about to go from playing inside the man he regards as the best centre in world rugby in Tana Umaga to the next best in Irish sensation Brian O'Driscoll.

Holwell was granted an early release from his Wellington contract yesterday to join Irish club Leinster on a one-year deal.

It was a bittersweet moment for first five-eighth Holwell, 29, who joined Wellington from Northland six years ago with a reputation as an accurate goalkicker.

He was delighted to confirm the move, but telling his team-mates was a difficult task, considering he leaves for Ireland on September 26, one day after the team's eighth-round NPC match against Taranaki.

Leaving two-thirds of the way through a campaign would normally ruffle a few feathers, but coach John Plumtree said Holwell's service to the province and the options at his disposal meant he was comfortable granting the request.