Leinster have released a statement today in response to newspaper claims that the Heineken Cup champions were prepared to fight the IRFU in order to keep Isa Nacewa at the Province. The New Zealander wants to finish his career with Leinster but his contract is up at the end of next season. He might have to leave due to a new strategy which will be in place by then.

In the statement Leinster say they are working alongside the other provinces and the IRFU regarding the player succession programme. Leinster say they’re disappointed that the headline states the province ‘ vows to fight ‘ the IRFU and that the province ‘want the union to make an exception for Nacewa. They say it’s disingenuous and inaccurate.