Despite the current depth within the squad, Leinster are likely to be in the market for a player or two this summer.
The province have made a habit of picking up some massively important overseas recruits down through the years, perfectly complimenting their homegrown talent. They could be about to repeat that trick once again.
Leinster look set to sign former All Black utility back Charlie Ngatai from side Lyon.
Reports from France have stated that Ngatai will not be extending his contract with his current club, with the Irish side being the most likely destination for the player.
Ngatai, while primarily a centre, can also slot in at fullback, and the news of his potential signing comes after a host of Leinster backs have announced their departures from the province.
Rory O’Loughlin will move to Exeter Chiefs next season, while David Hawkshaw and Adam Byrne are joining Connacht. Conor O’Brien looks like he also might be set for a move away, as does Liam Turner.
Despite the obvious talent of O’Brien, the powerful centre has been hampered by devastating injuries, keeping him out for extended periods.
However, even taking into account these departures, Leinster are still strong in this area with the likes of the Byrne brothers, Ciarán Frawley, Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O’Brien, and Tommy O’Brien, providing back up to first choice players.
Ngatai has enjoyed a successful career to date, and despite having only one cap for his country, any appearance for the All Blacks, particularly as a back, is a remarkable achievement.
The 31-year old began his Super Rugby career with the Hurricanes before moving to the Chiefs in 2013, where played some of the best rugby of his career. He then signed for Lyon OU in 2018.
He has also represented the Maori All Blacks, with whom he faced off against the British and Irish Lions in 2017, and has been capped for New Zealand U20s.
Should his move to Leinster go through, he will be the first NIQ back at the province since Joe Tomane, and will join second-row Jason Jenkins as their second NIQ signing for next season.
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