Already this season, Irish rugby has been hit with news that Ian Madigan is departing Leinster for Bordeaux and the Top 14.
Now, reports Gerry Thornley of The Irish Times, Leinster are set to lose an important player for the future of not just Leinster but Irish rugby too.
Marty Moore, the 24-year-old tighthead prop, is expected to sign for Aviva Premiership side Wasps.
According to Thornley, Leinster offered Moore a two-year deal but this was trumped by the offer of a three-year contract from Wasps. Apparently the opportunity to work with former Wales and Lions prop Dai Young is also an alluring factor for Moore.
Once departed, Leinster's other options at tighthead are the 36-year-old Mike Ross and 23-year-old Tadhg Furlong, both of whom were part of Joe Schmidt's squad for the World Cup.
It will certainly be interesting to see if Moore is part of Schmidt's plans for the upcoming Six Nations.
News of Moore's likely move continues a worrying trend for Irish rugby which has already seen Ian Madigan and JJ Hanrahan decide their immediate futures did not lie with the provinces. There have also been a raft of rumours surrounding others players such as Simon Zebo.
At Wasps, Moore will encounter some familiar faces. Former Leinster players Brendan Macken and Jimmy Gopperth are both currently there along with ex-Munster man James Downey.
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
