WHEN ASKED ABOUT the potential comings-and-goings at Leinster ahead of next season Leo Cullen dubbed this time of year ‘Silly Season’ as the province gets linked with a host of different players.
The Irish media don’t get to deal with as much transfer gossip as their French colleagues – who seem to LOVE linking Paul O’Connell with any team possible – but the last few weeks have seen an increase in that area.
There was Munster’s offer to Rob Horne, the prospect of Peter Stringer returning to one of the provinces and now Isa Nacewa might be on his way back to Leinster.
Not exactly Transfer Deadline Day on Sky Sports but enjoyable speculation all the same.
The strict policy on non-Irish qualified players means that unless one of their current recruits depart, Leinster will be unable to bring in someone else. Jimmy Gopperth has already signed with Wasps for next season and Zane Kirchner, whose two-year deal ends at the end of this campaign, has yet to decide his future.
“We are still in talks and still need to make decisions, I am really enjoying my team at Leinster but I’d probably like more sun,” Kirchner said with a laugh.
“I will see how it goes further down the line in the season and make a decision.”
Signed in the aftermath of Nacewa’s retirement, big things were expected from the South African international but injuries have restricted his playing time throughout his tenure at the province.
Kirchner says his agent hasn’t told him of any offers from other clubs but if he does stay, he said he would enjoy playing alongside Nacewa if the utility back does come out of retirement.
“He is a massive player for what he has done for the club and also for the people outside,” Kirchner said.
“If I do decide to stay it would be really, really quality to work with such an individual and see what I can learn from him.”
Kirchner also spoke about the team’s frustrations with only getting a draw away to the Ospreys last Friday night. Despite fielding a relatively strong backline, Leinster were held tryless and Kirchner thinks that was down to a lack of familiarity among some of the players.
“There was a little bit of opportunity but there were a few bad passes like myself at the end to Davy [Dave Kearney],” Kirchner said.
“It is only my second game back from injury so we are still kind of feeling each other out and trying to get that motion going and trying to get that rhythm.”
Would Leinster fans like to see Kirchner stay for another season?
