Sam Prendergast is one of the hottest properties in Irish rugby, excelling with the Ireland U20s and impressing in Leinster blue even if his appearances have been few and far between.
Entrusted with the jersey against Connacht last week, the 21-year-old further boosted his stock in steering his side to a 33-7 interpro win.
Prendergast's talent has warranted more minutes of senior rugby but he faces stiff competition in the form of Ross Byrne, Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne at the province.
Leinster are sure to want to keep him around in the long run, but a lack of consistent playing time has seen him linked with a potential loan switch out west to Connacht.
Leo Cullen is spoilt for choice when it comes to his options for the number 10 shirt, but consequently Prendergast and some of his competition have suffered for it.
Bernard Jackman weighs in on Leinster out-half dilemma
Bernard Jackman has warned of Ireland's lack of depth at out-half, one that is not helped by Prendergast's lack of consistent opportunities at Leinster.
Speaking on RTE's Against The Head, Jackman painted a grim picture for the Irish rugby depth chart next season with a number of moves imminent and Connacht's JJ Hanrahan set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
"It is a Leinster issue and an Irish rugby issue in terms of depth chart at 10," he said.
"Next year we are probably down one because Billy Burns is going to Munster presumably as a back-up.
"Connacht have JJ Hanrahan injured; at the moment they have one 10: Jack Carty.
"Ulster brought in a young 10 from New Zealand who is Irish-qualified, maybe he will be the difference.
"Joey Carbery is going to Bordeuax so he is no longer eligibile for Ireland.
"In a position where we were a little bit light this year - theoretically we are going to be lighter next year.
"Sam Prendergast is a talent; he needs to play. I am not saying he needs to go to Connacht or Leinster - he needs to play somewhere."
Whether Prendergast is to play in a Leinster or Connacht jersey next season remains to be seen, with The Westerers' boss Pete Wilkins claiming he knows little of an impending switch.
“We’re not the same as other countries in terms of bringing through young talent quick enough.”
Discussing the Sam Prendergast situation on Against The Head, Bernard Jackman feels that Irish rugby is staring down a depth problem at 10. pic.twitter.com/8yW0vvtlj2— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 3, 2024
Nevertheless, Leinster will struggle to accommodate all four options at their disposal if things remain unchanged and Jackman believes at least one of them needs to depart for the benefit of Irish rugby.
"What is best for Ireland is that Sam Prendergast plays. What is best for either Connacht or Leinster is he plays. Not all the time, but he needs to play more than he has so far.
"Leinster with four 10s: Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne, Ciaran Frawley and Sam Prendergast; it is very difficult for any of them to develop to the level they are going to have to.
"I would say yes. One of them has to leave and that is a decision for Leinster."
One suspects that Connacht, Ulster or Munster would welcome any member of that current quarter with open arms this summer but whether that happens remains to be seen.
