Jamie Heaslip's contract with the IRFU, which he signed in January 2014, expires during the summer. At the time, it was reported that the deal would make Heaslip the highest paid player in the country. The Leinster number eight is reported to currently be in negotiations with the IRFU over a new deal, which at age of nearly 33, could be his final in rugby.
Heaslip could not be in a better bargaining position. He was a nominee for the World Rugby Player of the Year. In a November international series which saw an abundance of high quality performances from Irish players, he was one of the standouts for Joe Schmidt's side.
In an interview with BT Sport ahead of Leinster's game with Northampton this week, he has, perhaps, attempted to leverage his position even further.
Heaslip said that he is open to a move away from Leinster.
I'm giving myself thought to everywhere to be honest. I think a player has to assess his options. My agent is out there assessing the options for me and we'll lay it all out on the table and make a decision at some stage.
There was glint in Heaslip's eye when he acknowledged that cities other than Dublin may be on his mind.
There might be. I've travelled a lot in my life. I'm an army brat and lived abroad plenty. If that's the call I have to make, that's the call I have to make.
We're a long way from making any decision.
