Ioane waiting for green light to play in France

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane has revealed that he is still waiting for medical staff at his new Top 14 club Stade Francais to give him permission to start playing.

The 28-year-old, scorer of 11 tries in his 35 Test appearances, has not been able to play since injuring a shoulder during the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in June.

“I am desperate to play my first match but for the moment I do not have the right to,” said Ioane, who played his club rugby in Australia with the Queensland Reds.

“I have to undergo medical tests on Thursday.”

Ioane, who has had his problems off the pitch with several incidents affecting his career, said he was looking forward to sampling top class European club rugby.

“I came here because Paris is a beautiful city, very agreeable, but more to the point it is to play top level rugby. It is a great challenge.”

Stade Francais, the last of whose 13 French titles came in 2007, are enjoying a successful doemstic season, presently in fifth spot just one point adrift of leaders Toulon after 11 matches.