David Holwell might not have played his last game in Leinster colours. The New Zealand outhalf, who made such a huge impression in the season just gone in which he lined out for the Irish province, has returned to Northland to work on the farm he bought and to play a little National Provincial Championship (NPC) to boot.
Leinster, though, did explore the possibility of Holwell returning in time for next season's Heineken European Cup competition. Chief executive Mick Dawson explained: "We have an agreement with David that he will not play for another Northern Hemisphere team. He has returned to Northland to his farm and will play with them in the NPC. They are a part-time outfit and not one of the big players in that competition.
"If they were to manage to climb up to mid-table by early September and thereby avoid any relegation issues, then David could be in a position to come back for the European Cup. It could be an option."
At this point in time it is conjecture, but the popular Kiwi did intimate he would like to return to Leinster if circumstances permitted.
There are sundry issues that would have to be tied up, but Leinster fans would like to see Holwell return. He was an unqualified success as a player, not just his phenomenal place-kicking strike-rate (over 83 per cent), but in his general play-making ability. He was Leinster's player of the season.
Felipe Contepomi, another player who performed very well, will start the season as Leinster's first-choice outhalf and is likely to be given an extended run in the position.
There is also the small matter of the province's new coach, whomever he turns out to be. The interview process is nearing an end, although all the candidates have not been seen at this stage. There is no immediate pressure to make an appointment, but, with three player contracts still left to be filled, the sooner the situation is resolved, the better.
"The vast majority of the interviews have been done but it would be wrong to say that there aren't any left to do," Dawson confirmed. "We have to look at other issues, do background checks and other things. The important thing is that we get the right man, and given recent history that is very much the priority. We would hope to be in a position to announce something by the end of next week."
The process is not straightforward, as Leinster know any prospective coach might want to bring in his own team. Even after arriving at a decision in terms of a name, they must then negotiate contract issues.
At this point Leinster have 29 players contracted, including former Wasps prop Will Green and fellow frontrows Ronan McCormack and Bernard Jackman, the latter formerly of Ulster and Connacht respectively. Ireland and Leinster hooker Shane Byrne is in negotiation with the IRFU, and the union did make him an offer prior to the player linking up with the Lions for their summer tour to New Zealand.
Byrne hadn't signed and is believed to be considering his options, which include offers from England and France. He would prefer to stay in Leinster, but that would depend on contract issues.
Gary Brown's contract has been upgraded, as have those of Niall Ronan and Jamie Heaslip. Wing Brendan Burke, who missed the entire season with a groin problem, has had an operation and Leinster are negotiating an extension to the current agreement providing he proves his fitness.
