Ross linked with return to his roots next season

IRISH prop Mike Ross is being lined up for a possible move back to his native Munster next season.

It’s understood that the IRFU are looking at relocating the Leinster tight head back to Munster where the need for a quality No 3 is significantly greater going forward.

After starting his rugby career with Cork Constitution, Ross spent four years with Harlequins in England before signing for Leinster in 2009. His performance in the front row for Joe Schmidt’s squad catapulted him into the frame for this year’s Six Nations, starting both games against Italy and France.

With Connacht’s tighthead Jamie Hagan all but confirmed as a Leinster player for next season, Stan Wright returning from injury, and Clint Newland still in situ, there is no shortage of props available to Leinster. Former Ireland U20 prop Jack McGrath has also just signed a new contract with Leinster, even if he is more comfortable on the loosehead side.

However, Munster are struggling in the same position with John Hayes close to the end of an incredible career and New Zealander Peter Borlase, who has yet to make an impact, augmenting Tony Buckley, who will be on international duty from August through the World Cup and beyond.