Leinster fans have been treated to the sight of Real Madrid-style Galacticos lining out for the province this season.
The arrival of RG Snyman from Munster drew the ire of many rugby fans in the south of Ireland but the Springbok has been superb in a Leinster shirt since signing last summer.
Even more spectacular was Leinster's acquisition of Jordie Barrett on a six-month deal after the November internationals.
The All Black icon has been a similar revelation to Snyman in the Leinster backline, starring in their flawless Champions Cup pool stage campaign.
Leinster announced on Thursday that Snyman has signed a contract extension with the province. However, Barrett's stay in Dublin was only ever intended to be short-term, with a six-month spell overseas built into his long-term contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Even in such a short time with Leinster, Barrett has made a huge impact, and it appears as though the province are keen to replace him with a similarly versatile World Cup winner.
Reports on Friday suggest that Snyman's South Africa teammate Damian Willemse is on Leinster's shortlist of targets to take Barrett's place for next season.
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Leinster look to bring Damian Willemse in for next season
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3 September 2023; Damian Willemse of South Africa is dragged away from speaking to Jonathan Sexton of Ireland after the first South African try during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/SportsfileRugbyPass reported that two-time World Cup winner Damian Willemse is on Leinster's "wish list" to replace Jordie Barrett this summer.
Willemse started the 2023 World Cup final at full-back, with Barrett on the opposing New Zealand side. It brought Willemse his second medal, having also been a peripheral figure of the victorious 2019 squad.
The 26-year-old can play across the back line, having lined out at full-back, inside centre, and fly-half, and has become one of the most important players in Rassie Erasmus' relentless Springbok side.
Should Leinster want to bring Willemse to Dublin for next season, they will have to buy him out of his contract with the Stormers, which runs until 2027.
Intriguingly, RugbyPass' report suggests that Johnny Sexton could play a role in bringing the South African to Leinster.
Retired Ireland legend Sexton is Chief of Staff at Ardagh, who have a lucrative sponsorship deal with Willemse.
Willemse and Sexton clashed at the 2023 Rugby World Cup during the pool stage meeting of Ireland and South Africa but appear to be on good terms as Sexton adjusts to retired life.
In September, Sexton travelled to South Africa to watch the Springboks take on New Zealand in Cape Town. He took in the blockbuster clash alongside the injured Willemse. The South African shared an image on Instagram of the pair together in the stands, as his teammates claimed the Rugby Championship.
RugbyPass sources suggest that billionaire Paul Coulson - a Leinster fan and associate of Sexton's - could help to fund a deal to bring Willemse to Ireland.
It would be a blockbuster signing for Leinster, especially if they can seal a longer-term deal than that which brought Jordie Barrett to the province.
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