Joe Schmidt's powers of persuasion appear to be dwindling.
It was reported last week that Leinster and Ireland prop Marty Moore was on the verge of joining London Wasps, only for Joe Schmidt to intervene and convince Moore that his international ambitions would be better served by remaining at Leinster.
It has been confirmed today, however, that Moore has decided to join Wasps. The Aviva Premiership side confirmed the news on their website with Director of Rugby, Dai Young, was full of praise for the Ireland prop.
Marty has already proven his international pedigree with Ireland and, at only 24, he has plenty of years ahead of him to continue his development and become a top-class tighthead.
We already have talented tightheads at the club, but his addition will strengthen the depth we have in this key position and will help to drive competition for places, which is what we are trying to achieve throughout the squad. We are looking forward to Marty joining us next season.
News of the transfer has broken just hours after it was confirmed Moore would miss the Six Nations with a hamstring injury.
Moore himself said that he was delighted to join Wasps, but affirmed his commitment to Leinster for the remainder of the season:
I’m really pleased to have signed a contract with Wasps to join next season. I am looking forward to working with Dai Young and his coaching team as well as the squad and am excited about the challenge ahead in the Aviva Premiership.
However, up until the move I am fully committed to Leinster Rugby and I would like to thank everyone here as well as the Leinster fans for the support they have shown me.
Moore has played ten times for Ireland, and was injured in Wasps' 51-10 demolition of Leinster at the weekend.
