The feel-good factor emanating from Donnybrook following the decision of Alan Gaffney to rejoin the province has been tempered slightly with the news that Keith Gleeson is to retire from rugby at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old will call time on a Leinster career spanning almost seven years in order to return to Australia, where he was brought up, and concentrate on business interests.
Despite suffering a number of serious injuries, including a broken arm and knee ligament damage, Gleeson has amassed some 115 appearances in a blue shirt since making his debut in 2001.
He also won 27 Ireland caps, with many pundits feeling he would have appeared on a more regular basis had he not suffered from Eddie O'Sullivan's reluctance to pick an out-and-out openside.
"Keith has been an incredible ambassador for Leinster and Irish rugby," Leinster coach Michael Cheika said today. "He is the embodiment of professionalism and his work ethic, skill set and the pride with which he plays and prepares for games are second to none.
"I know how tough he is. I've played against him and coached him and every time he plays the game he tries to play his best match. That takes courage. We are disappointed that he is leaving, but he goes with the best wishes of everybody connected with Leinster.
"I agree (that it is a premature end)," added Cheika later. "When he spoke to me about it I was very surprised. The guy is in outstanding form. He has gone toe-to-toe with (Shane) Jennings since he came back and he has matched it and lifted his game to another level.
"If he ever changes his mind all he has to do is pick up the telephone and I'd have him back in a minute."
Gleeson himself, explained that he had taken the decision to focus on a new career in financial planning.
"My decision to retire is largely inspired by my desire to explore new avenues and opportunities," explained Gleeson "I feel now is the time to do that."
Cheika, meanwhile, welcomes back Jonathan Sexton and Leo Cullen to his squad for the visit of Glasgow to the RDS on Friday night. And with Ireland's disappointing Six Nations campaign now over Cheika is also able to call upon the likes of Jamie Heaslip, Shane Horgan, and Rob Kearney as the side seek to strengthen their grip on the Celtic League title.
The Leinster coach is due to name his starting XV tomorrow morning.
Leinster squad: Cian Healy, Ollie le Roux, Brian Blaney, Bernard Jackman, Stephen Knoop, Stan Wright, Leo Cullen, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip. Chris Keane, Chris Whitaker, Felipe Contepomi, Jonathan Sexton, Luke Fitzgerald, Michael Berne, Christian Warner, Gary Brown, Shane Horgan, Rob Kearney
