Leinster are hoping to tie up the paper work for their new non-Irish signing, the experienced New Zealand-born outhalf David Holwell from Wellington.
The 29-year-old has been given an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Wellington Rugby Union to take up an offer to play in Ireland.
Holwell, who has had a number of injuries over the last two seasons, will leave New Zealand on September 26th.
Appointed vice-captain of his club side this season, he will become the third Wellington player in recent years to come to Ireland, following Christian Cullen's arrival to Munster and Paul Steinmetz moving to Ulster.
Cullen has begun to show his highly-rated talent after a first season blighted with injury while Steinmetz has also just recovered from injury but was central to Ulster's campaign last season.
"He is set to play pending the usual medical check and agreeing personal terms. He is expected to sign by the end of the month but has not signed yet," said a Leinster official.
Holwell moved to Wellington from Northland six years ago and as a goal-kicker has scored 589 points in 58 appearances for the Lions.
"If I did not go before October the opportunity to secure a one-year deal overseas would have been lost," he said. "I had no intention of playing Super 12 rugby next year as my body is feeling the effects of playing in such a tough competition."
Leinster are also hoping to have a few of their international players back, possibly Eric Miller and Guy Easterby, after an injury-free first weekend, although prop Ricky Nebett is an unlikely starter against Ulster having split his toe in an accident at Old Belvedere last week that required 13 stitches.
Munster also hope to have international squad members, flanker David Wallace, prop John Hayes and hooker Frankie Sheahan back training with them.
Given they have been out of the provincial system for so long, it is unlikely they will be in the running for a starting place against Connacht at Musgrave Park on Saturday night. Leinster, Munster and Ulster will select their starting teams today.
Ulster are looking at Matt McCullough and Roger Wilson as possible starters for the weekend. Both players have been injured in recent weeks with McCullough becoming the latest in a crop of young players to sign a long-term contract with the club.
McCullough, who is 23 tomorrow, put pen to paper in a deal which will keep him at Ravenhill for the next four years. It is the eighth long-term contract agreed by Ulster Rugby, their policy very much aimed at identifying, developing and holding on to the young talent within the province.
Four-year contracts have been agreed with Neil McMillan, Paddy Wallace, Neil Best, Simon Best, McCullough and Wilson and three-year deals with Paul Shields and Bryn Cunningham.
