While Leinster continue their daily confirmation of players who have signed new deals, there appear to be several outgoings as well, with lock Jack Dunne and centre Rory O’Loughlin en route to Exeter Chiefs next season, while Adam Byrne, David Hawkshaw and Peter Dooley are set to follow Josh Murphy in joining Connacht.
The 23-year-old Dunne, a 6ft 8in tight-head side, has completed his move to Exeter with O’Loughlin set to follow.
Dunne is a product of St Michael’s, Trinity and the Leinster academy but, despite subsequent overtures from Connacht, has chosen to go through with his move to Exeter having made 17 appearances for Leinster to date.
This follows on from the departure of Murphy, a lock-cum-blindside, to Connacht and the anticipated retirement of Devin Toner at the end of the season, which has only been offset by the signing of once-capped Springbok Jason Jenkins from Munster.
The 28-year-old O’Loughlin, who has played 91 times for Leinster over the last six seasons, and won one cap for Ireland, is also set to join Exeter.
The 27-year-old Byrne, who has also won one cap for Ireland, returned this season after almost nine months on the sidelines due to serious hamstring/quad injuries and has scored four tries in four starts – thus taking hi …
- March 4, 2022
