While Leinster still have a huge amount to play for over the remainder of the current campaign, there is already a growing level of excitement surrounding what the team might look like next season.
The Irish province are set to add to what is already a star studded squad, with RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett due to arrive as high profile signings later in 2024. As well as that, they could add a big name prop ahead of Michael Ala'alatoa's departure.
Snyman's move from Munster has proven to be the most controversial one, although some are also questioning Leinster's decision to add Barrett on a short-term deal.
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Former Leinster star not convinced by Jordie Barrett signing
Jordie Barrett will arrive at Leinster next winter, spending six months or so at the province before returning to New Zealand in the summer of 2025.
It is a deal that looks to benefit both parties. Leinster will add a world class operator who can cover a number of positions, while the player will get the opportunity to gain some overseas experience at one of the most successful clubs in European rugby.
However, some are questioning how much Leo Cullen's side are actually benefitting from this arrangement.
Speaking on The Left Wing podcast, former Leinster and Ireland star Luke Fitzgerald suggested that signing Jordie Barrett could actually harm the province in the long run, with the player himself and potentially New Zealand the ones most likely to benefit from the move.
At the moment I just really don’t like the shape of this. Nothing against Jordie Barrett - a quality player, seems like a cool bloke, hard worker, he’s in great shape, he’ll definitely bring on Leinster as an outfit and help them compete for European gold again.
But I just wonder like where does he go? So you’ve got [Robbie] Henshaw and [Garry] Ringrose in the centres, and I’ve got [Hugo] Keenan in there, which is where he’ll probably be playing most of his rugby. Would you start him ahead of any of those guys?
I certainly wouldn’t, I think that would be damaging for Ireland and I think probably for Leinster as well. They’re all local Irish guys, I want to go see those guys to be honest with you as much as I’d like to see Jordie Barrett play...
It’s very exciting that he’s coming, I can’t wait to watch him, but I just don’t think it makes any sense for a variety of reasons. That’s not having to go with him. I’m delighted he’s coming over...
The Irish system does look after its players. You look at Snyman, they’ve done a great job with him for South Africa. He’s barely played any rugby here and he comes back in great condition because the rehab facilities and all that kind of stuff is really, really good and the time management’s really good.
So he goes back a better player from this experience and he’ll have a few extra quid in his pocket, and possibly a medal in his pocket.
That is not a view that many Leinster fans will share.
While the province already have some top class operators in the backline, adding a player with the ability of Jordie Barrett can only benefit the side. As well as that, the short-term nature of his deal means that he will not be blocking the development of another Irish player in the long run.
Fitzgerald may have his reservations, but the the arrival of the All Blacks star in Dublin later this year is certain to generate a huge amount of excitement among rugby fans.
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