Looking at the current landscape of Irish rugby, it's fair to say that Leinster possess the deepest playing resources among the four provinces.
Not only do they have the strongest senior squad as currently constructed, but the production line at the RDS ensures that it is consistently replenished with the brightest young talents in the country. While there is plenty of good work being done at the other provinces, they do not quite have the resources available to Leinster.
There have been quite a few suggestions as to how this dynamic could be addressed moving forward.
Spreading the young talent coming through around the four provinces in some manner has been put forward as a possible solution. Such a system seems a long way off as things stand, but one move for an emerging Leinster star could make sense for all parties involved.
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Leinster prodigy could move on loan to Connacht this summer
Sam Prendergast is one of the most exciting young Irish players to emerge in recent seasons, but his opportunities at Leinster have been severely limited up to this point in his career.
The 21-year old currently finds himself behind the likes of Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne, and Ciaran Frawley at out-half, making just three starts this season. While he is still at an early stage in his career, he should be looking at securing more playing time from next seasons onwards.
That is unlikely to come at Leinster. In saying that, there is no way that Leo Cullen's side will want to lose a player with his upside.
As a result, some have suggested that a loan move to Connacht should be considered.
The Sam Prendergast to Connacht rumour appears to be heating up again.
It’s a move that would make sense for all parties, including Ireland as they rate him very highly
A real chance to learn under the stewardship of experienced veterans— CaolanSRugby (@CaolanSRugby) May 19, 2024
Ah Leinster, just announce a loan of Sam Prendergast to Connacht while JJ Hanrahan recovers from his ACL injury. Look after your neighbours. It’s good for Connacht and Sam Prendergast. He gets more game time until Sean Naughton can gain more experience around the squad. #rugby
— Joe Naughton (@JoeNaConnacht) May 9, 2024
This move would make sense for all parties involved.
Connacht will be in need of another out-half next season, with JJ Hanrahan set for an extended spell on the sidelines after his recent ACL injury. Having someone of Prendergast's quality to call upon in the interim would certainly ease those concerns.
As for the player himself, a season playing week in, week out in the URC would be massive for his development. That should benefit Leinster in the long-term, with the Kildare man eventually returning to the RDS as a more well-rounded rugby player.
From an Irish perspective, having another talented out-half playing regularly can only be a plus for the Andy Farrell. He would also get some reps in alongside emerging Connacht scrum-half Matthew Devine, a player some feel will compete for the position with Ireland over the coming seasons.
In all, this move just makes too much sense.
The only potential stumbling block will be Leinster's plans for Sam Prendergast next season. If they feel that he is genuinely ready to compete for the starting berth in both the URC and Champions Cup, they will want him to stick around.
Still, you get the sense that the IRFU will want the 21-year old to get as much playing time as possible. If that means a temporary move to Connacht, so be it.
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