New Zealand-born centre Adam Larkin and former South African Hong Kong Sevens captain Dion O'Cuinneagain will both come under the scrutiny of Irish coach Brian Ashton in the coming weeks.
The 23-year-old Larkin recently joined Bristol from North Harbour in New Zealand where he was a regular partner for All Black centres Frank Bunce and Walter Little and for whom he made over 40 appearances.
He was considered slightly unfortunate not to have made the recent New Zealand tour to Ireland, England and Wales and is reputed to be a player of some quality. He has previously represented the All Blacks at Colts and under-21 level.
His arrival at Bristol is at the behest of former Takapuna clubmate Chad Eagle who was already at Bristol. During the Christmas break at home Eagle persuaded Larkin to accompany him to England. Of primary interest to Ashton is the fact that Larkin holds an Irish passport, by virtue of a one of his grandparents.
His preferred position is outside centre but he can also play at out-half and full-back and is a recognised kicker.
The Irish coach confirmed: "I knew about Larkin three weeks ago thanks to a phone call from Bristol chief executive Freddie Howard. I was sworn to secrecy about the matter because the deal had not been finalised, but now Larkin is signed until the end of the season. When he plays we will go and watch him."
Of more immediate interest for Ashton is the performance of O'Cuinneagain.
Ashton will watch the Western Province player in action for Sale in their clash with Northampton. A versatile back-row player, O'Cuinneagain has communicated a desire to represent Ireland.
"I also want to see how Jonathan Bell is performing and the other Irish guys that will be on duty on the day. I spoke to Bell the other day and I am aware that he has played the last few matches at full-back. I'll have a look at O'Cuinneagain; he certainly comes with a good reputation," said Ashton.
On the domestic front, Lansdowne's problems continue with the news that prop Angus McKeen will be out for at least two weeks with a knee injury sustained in a Leinster squad training session on Monday.
Enda Bohan moves across from loosehead with Warren O'Kelly regaining a place in the front row. Melvin McNamara is named on the left wing.
There is an injury doubt concerning second row Paul O'Connor but no decision will be taken until closer to the weekend. Anton Forde is preferred to Andy Doyle at open-side flanker.
Terenure have made one change from the side hammered by Ballymena for their trip to Dooradoyle with Pat Holden replacing Colin Potts in the second row.
Old Belvedere coach Stephen Dods has shaken up his pack for their tough trip to Tom Clifford Park against Young Munster. Second rows Murray Henderson and Brian McDonald have been dropped with captain Hugh O'Donnell moving from number eight to partner Kieran Martin with Steve Walsh introduced to the back-row.
Jonathan Mion takes over the hooking duties from Paddy Kenny while Craig Bewley deputises for Peter McKenna who has received exam leave. Will Carling will take a few more days before deciding his future after friends and colleagues at Harlequins urged him to not to retire following his dispute with coach Andy Keast.
