It's getting to the business end of the domestic rugby season. With the biggest honours still up for grabs, many sides will be focused on the chance to win silverware, but for all teams, work has already begun on preparation for the next campaign.
Munster's impressive win away against the Bulls last week has shown other teams in the URC that they are still a force and are keen to retain their title, but the question marks over their squad for next year remain.
With RG Snyman moving to Leinster in the off-season, Joey Carbery on his way to Bordeaux, Antoine Frisch reportedly on the radar of Top 14 sides, and some stalwarts entering the final weeks of their contracts, we could see a very different looking Munster side next year.
Munster have confirmed the arrivals of Billy Burns and Diarmuid Kilgallen from Ulster and Connacht repectively, but Graham Rowntree's side are reportedly in the market for a new loosehead prop.
Munster denied IRFU approval for NIQ prop
Veteran Dave Kilcoyne looks set to depart Thomond Park at the end of his contract this season, and during the campaign prop Keynan Knox also left the province after making 33 appearances since joining in 2017.
Despite seeking approval to bring a replacement in from abroad, Murray Kinsella of the 42.ie reported on Tuesday that they have not been given approval by the IRFU.
Earlier today, it was confirmed that a host of Leinster players will be on the move to other provinces this summer.
Prop Temi Lasisi will join Connacht, while scrum-half Ben Murphy is also reportedly on the Westerners wishlist.
Ben's brother, current Ireland U20 out-half Jack Murphy, looks set to re-unite with his father Richie Murphy in Ulster next year, with fellow Ireland U20 stars Wilhelm De Klerk and Sam Berman also on the move.
Ed Byrne had recently been linked with a move to the Kingspan Stadium himself as a possible replacement for departing Springbok Steven Kitshoff, but could the front row woes in Munster force them into the reckoning for the experienced prop?
Aside from Jeremy Loughman and David Kilcoyne, the majority of Ireland's loosehead options find themselves in the Leinster set up.
Andrew Porter and Cian Healy remain the two most preffered options, but Michael Milne, Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy are also expected to stay under the care of Leo Cullen's side for the 2024/25 season.
Munster's search for a recruit from abroad could end up lingering on Antoine Frisch. Despite the centre currently qualifying to play for Ireland, he is expected to be called up to the French squad by Fabian Galthie for their test series against Argentina this summer.
South Africa's Jean Kleyn and New Zealander Alex Nankivelli are other players taking up NIQ spots in the squad, and despite offloading RG Snyman, it looks like Munster might have to do more if they want their loosehead prop.
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