Most had been strongly rumoured, but at Leinster Rugby's awards ball last night - the province said goodbye to a host of departing players. Most people knew about Ben Te'o, Ian Madigan, Marty Moore, and Darragh Fanning's impending exits - the goodbyes included seven players whose futures had been uncertain.
The news was seemingly revealed by Leinster's twitter account during the end of season awards, before those in attendance confirmed what was happening:
Great memories. It's been emotional. It's been brilliant. #ThanksBossy pic.twitter.com/0FHLtN5jXY
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 7, 2016
The most high profile of the newly revealed leavings is 36-year-old scrumhalf Isaac Boss. The 23-times-capped Ireland international will be leaving the province to return to New Zealand after playing 121 times with Leinster, and 108 times with Ulster. It had been well documented that Leinster were in the market for another scrumhalf - with the age profiles of their two most senior halfbacks in Reddan and Boss both other 35-years-old.
Going to miss @theTOKpirate Great servant for @leinsterrugby #ThanksIsaac pic.twitter.com/BU0cTyw13T
— Suttonians RFC (@SuttoniansRFC) May 7, 2016
Other players who will be leaving the team include long time servant Aaron Dundon, second row Tom Denton, promising youngsters Collie O'Shea and Tadhg Beirne, and All-Ireland league graduates Tony Ryan, Royce-Burke Flynn, and Mick McGrath. McGrath looks to be headed to play with the Ireland sevens team - while the futures of the other players remain unknown for the moment.
@BHHooker along with these pic.twitter.com/e6Fq7HmldN
— Suttonians RFC (@SuttoniansRFC) May 7, 2016
One notable name that wasn't givena goodbye whose contract is up at the end of the year is New Zealand second row Hayden Triggs, who was on record last month hoping to stay beyond his current deal. Whether this means he has signed on or not remains to be seen.
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Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
