LEINSTER COACH MATT O’Connor has hinted that there will be one more new signing at the province before the season starts.
The reigning Pro12 and Amlin champions added Springbok international Zane Kirchner over the summer while out-half Jimmy Gopperth, drafted in to fill the void left by Jonny Sexton, starts tonight’s pre-season opener against Ulster.
Lock Mike McCarthy has also moved over from Connacht but following the retirement of centre Eoin O’Malley earlier this week, O’Connor feels his squad is still one player short.
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“Yeah I mean it’s certainly something with the retirement of Eoin which is devastating news for him with such a bright future in front of him, but it opens up that opportunity.
“Brendan Macken’s got an opportunity there and there ware a couple of talented kids from the U20s that are training with us at the moment.”
O’Malley’s loss may open an opportunity for a fit-again Luke Fitzgerald to shift across into a new role in midfield but O’Connor says he’s happy with his options and stressed that new reinforcements doesn’t necessarily mean a new centre.
“Obviously Luke when he’s back fit will be in the running for a spot in the back three somewhere.
“Fergus McFadden’s played there a lot for Leinster and Ireland and let’s not forget Brian’s still about.
“There’s enough cover there. We are probably short a body.
“If that body is a centre or not, we’re probably short on a body and that puts a little bit of pressure on the group and provides opportunities.”
O'Connor hints at one more signing for Leinster
LEINSTER COACH MATT O’Connor has hinted that there will be one more new signing at the province before the season starts.
The reigning Pro12 and Amlin champions added Springbok international Zane Kirchner over the summer while out-half Jimmy Gopperth, drafted in to fill the void left by Jonny Sexton, starts tonight’s pre-season opener against Ulster.
Lock Mike McCarthy has also moved over from Connacht but following the retirement of centre Eoin O’Malley earlier this week, O’Connor feels his squad is still one player short.
“Yeah I mean it’s certainly something with the retirement of Eoin which is devastating news for him with such a bright future in front of him, but it opens up that opportunity.
“Brendan Macken’s got an opportunity there and there ware a couple of talented kids from the U20s that are training with us at the moment.”
O’Malley’s loss may open an opportunity for a fit-again Luke Fitzgerald to shift across into a new role in midfield but O’Connor says he’s happy with his options and stressed that new reinforcements doesn’t necessarily mean a new centre.
“Obviously Luke when he’s back fit will be in the running for a spot in the back three somewhere.
“Fergus McFadden’s played there a lot for Leinster and Ireland and let’s not forget Brian’s still about.
“There’s enough cover there. We are probably short a body.
“If that body is a centre or not, we’re probably short on a body and that puts a little bit of pressure on the group and provides opportunities.”
– Addtional reporting by Pat McCarry
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