Leinster coach Michael Cheika has moved to solve the province's much publicised problems in the front row by signing prop Stan Wright in time for this weekend's Heineken Cup clash with Agen.
The Cook Islander was unveiled as Leinster's wild card signing at a press conference earlier today and is named in an extended 25-man squad for Saturday's match at Lansdowne Road.
At 18-stone, the tighthead will bring some much needed bulk to a Leinster pack missing the injured Will Green and, as is likely, Fosi Pala'amo.
Pala'amo injured an ankle against Ulster and, although included in the squad at this stage, is still rated as doubtful to face the Pool Two leaders.
Wright, who has signed a short-term contract, arrived from Northland in New Zealand on Sunday and despite having no experience of Super 14 rugby the 28-year-old is regarded as a solid scrummager.
"We're realistic about Stan," Cheika said. "No disrespect to him, but you're not going to find a world class tight-head prop lying around doing nothing at this time of year.
"But in saying that what we do know is that he has scrummaged against some of the best players in New Zealand. He's in his late 20's so he has a fair bit of experience and we've had a lot of positive reports that he can handle the demands at Heineken Cup level.
"Fosi (Pala'amo)'s injury forced our hand. Credit to Stan, it has been a busy week for him and he has been really positive in training. He understands what we're looking for from him. He has a good technique, good ability and good strength. And the French guys won't have any video footage of him either."
Elsewhere, Cheika must again ponder who to play at out-half in the continued absence of playmaker Felipe Contepomi before he names his starting XV on Friday. Andy Dunne hardly nailed down the jersey in trying conditions at Ravenhill with Christian Warner another option.
Girvan Dempsey returns to the fold while Denis Hickie is on course to win his 50th European cap.
"One thing for sure is that they (Agen) will come out at us with everything. They're a strong group of players with a major attacking weapon in (Rupeni) Caucaunibuca. He is a brilliant talent but we can't build a strategy to deal with him on his own.
"He has scored a lot of tries in the French League over the last two years, so there's no way you can devalue his talent. If we double or triple team him then we'll forget about the others. But we've got a few weapons of our own. Remember, he'll have to deal with Shane Horgan."
Munster and Ulster are due to name their squads for the matches against Cardiff and London Irish later today.
Leinster squad
Forwards:Ronan McCormack, Reggie Corrigan, Brian Blaney, Harry Vermaas, Fosi Pala'amo, Stanley Wright, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Owen Finegan, Cameron Jowitt, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip. Backs:Chris Whitaker, Guy Easterby, Andrew Dunne, Christian Warner, Denis Hickie, Rob Kearney, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Kieran Lewis, Shane Horgan, Luke Fitzgerald, Girvan Dempsey
