TWELVE MONTHS on from Leinster’s failed bid to sign Eoin Reddan, the London Wasps scrumhalf remains top of their shopping list with recent events making the 28-year-old’s arrival in Dublin a distinct probability this summer.

The most sensible replacement for the departing Chris Whitaker, negotiations are ongoing, with Leinster attempting to buy out the last year of Reddan’s contract. Considering his slip down the pecking order at international level and current dog-fight with former All Black Mark Robinson for the number nine jersey at Adams Park, the move should rejuvenate the career of a player who earlier this season looked a sure bet to tour South Africa with the Lions.

Tomás O’Leary and Peter Stringer were preferred by Declan Kidney during the Six Nations, making Lions selection unlikely despite the presence of head coach Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards at Wasps.

Man of the match against Bristol last Sunday and a class apart for Ireland A against Scotland A last month, the move seems like good business for both Leinster and Reddan.

“I can’t make any comment at the moment as there are lots of players we are currently looking at,” said Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson yesterday.

Another serious recruitment issue for Leinster is finding a replacement for Felipe Contepomi as the Argentinean joins Toulon this summer. Jonathan Sexton and Isa Nacewa remain outhalf options but another signing is expected.

“Felipe is going to be very difficult to replace as he can play centre just as effectively and was so instrumental in the growth of the Leinster brand but we will be needing another outhalf.”

Dawson was not prepared to comment on the expected departure of prop Stanley Wright or Rocky Elsom, who retains the option of another season.

On whether the Australian flanker could return after representing the Wallabys in the Tri Nations, Dawson added, “In the past Australia have been reluctant to play fellas in Test matches who are based abroad but they are looking up that dynamic at the moment.”

In Munster, Freddie Pucciarello, Anthony Horgan, Frankie Sheahan and Brian Carney depart/retire at the end of the season.

Connacht have already informed several players they are being released and hope to confirm their squad next week. New Zealand 27-year-old secondrow Bernie Upton, having featured for the Chiefs and Hurricanes in the Super 14, arrives on July 1st.

All four provinces return to action this weekend with Magners League leaders Munster travelling to Glasgow without their starting Irish contingent, Brian Murphy (shoulder), Rua Tipoki and Ian Dowling (both hamstrings). Denis Leamy, Mick O’Driscoll and Peter Stringer, along with Alan Quinlan and Keith Earls, are expected to feature.

Leinster’s main concern is Luke Fitzgerald after the winger sustained shoulder damage against Wales but the Irish players are not being considered for Ulster’s visit to the RDS on Sunday. Ulster’s Stephen Ferris should be sidelined for a number of weeks after dislocating and suffering a deep finger wound in the early skirmishes at the Millennium Stadium.

The frontline internationals will return ahead of the Leinster versus Munster derby at Thomond Park on April 4th.

Meanwhile, Kilmacud Crokes will attend Sunday’s game at the RDS as guests of Leinster rugby in recognition of their recent All-Ireland club success.