Rob Kearney not fearing Irish exodus

Rob Kearney has rejected suggestions that Paul O’Connell’s switch from Munster to Toulon will kickstart a trend of senior Ireland internationals ending their careers in the financially flush Top 14.

Kearney was the focus of some interest from French sides some years ago when his contract with Leinster and the IRFU was up for renewal.

Ultimately, it was some seasons later before Jonathan Sexton breached protocol by switching from Leinster to Racing Metro in a move considered ground-breaking at the time but less so now that he has returned to his home province for the 2015/16 season.