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.
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
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.
