IRFU ruling will open door to Drico’s Irish understudies

Leinster will not be allowed to sign a replacement from overseas if Brian O’Driscoll retires at the end of the season.

Munster’s procurement of Casey Laulala last summer means that the IRFU will not permit the European champions to sign a non-Irish qualified player to wear the No 13 jersey if the former Ireland captain hangs up his boots after the Lions tour. The news means that homegrown players like Fergus McFadden, Brendan Macken and Eoin O’Malley will do battle with Luke Fitzgerald for the shirt when O’Driscoll calls it a day.

Understandably, Leinster want the 34-year-old to commit for another year, but manager Guy Easterby says that decision rests with the player.