Boost for Leinster as southern stars sign

LEINSTER RUGBY may exist in the depressing shadow of their southern rivals in recent times but they cannot be accused of lacking in the recruitment stakes anymore having secured the signature of world class forwards CJ Van Der Linde and Rocky Elsom.

Both players arrive in September after lining out for South Africa and Australia respectively in the Tri-Nations.

The World Cup winning tighthead prop, equally adept at loosehead, Van Der Linde takes up a three-year contract and must be considered a genuine coup for Michael Cheika. The 28-year-old is considered one of the leading props in the international game and has 50 Springbok caps to prove it.

He is expected to exceed the surprising impact Ollie Le Roux made during his Dublin sojourn. For proof of the Free State Cheetah's ability in open play just check out \.

Due to the new South African rugby union edict, Van Der Linde can continue to represent the Springboks, much like World Cup winning captain John Smit has done despite signing for French club Clermont Auvergne.

Elsom only agreed to a one-year deal with the option for a second season, indicating a willingness by the former rugby league player to return home ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

A product of Brisbane's Nudgee College, the 25-year-old played for Australian schools in 2000 before changing code for two seasons with NRL club the Bulldogs. On return to union he became a regular on the Wallaby blindside flank, 33 caps, and recently helped the Waratahs into the Super 14 final where they lost to the Crusaders.

"In Michael Cheika, the club has a very sought-after coach and with Alan Gaffney also joining the set-up, it's great for me personally that I am familiar with those two guys," said Elsom.

He will compete directly with Stephen Keogh for the number six jersey but his 6ft 6ins frame may also see him deployed in the secondrow.

An understandably content Cheika added: "I am really pleased with the recruitment process that has been put in place. That players of the calibre of CJ, Rocky and Isa Nacewa (a Fijian international, the utility back arrives from Auckland on July 14th) have decided to move is good news for our team and they will add to the competitiveness of our squad. All three are young, hungry and gifted internationals who are determined to succeed."

The Leinster squad has been further strengthened by the return of winger-cum-scrumhalf Simon Keogh after a five-year spell with Harlequins and Ireland A hooker John Fogarty, who switches from Connacht.

The Cork born, Rockwell College educated 30-year-old will give Bernard Jackman and Brian Blaney a decent run for the starting berth.

Fogarty is replaced in the western province by another Munsterman, Shannon's Seán Cronin.

Leaving the Leinster set-up are Argentinian prop Juan Gomez, Mick Berne, Christian Warner, Ross McCarron, Richie Leyden and Cillian Willis (Ulster). Ian Keatley and Fionn Carr have joined Connacht while Keith Gleeson has retired. Kevin McLaughlin is still expected to head to South Africa for a loan period.

Irish under-20 centre Eoin O'Malley, Fergus McFadden and Seán O'Brien have been promoted from the Academy.

Gaffney returns to the province from Saracens as backs "consultant" on Monday with a new forwards coach, to replace Mike Brewer, still to be hired.

The Leinster pre-season campaign begins with an Italian tour on August 20th against Padova and Benetton Treviso three days later.

The Queensland Reds come to Donnybrook on August 29th or 30th.

Meanwhile, Munster have confirmed just one signing with scrumhalf Mike Prendergast returning on a one-year deal after spells with Bourgoin and more recently Gloucester.

The European champions remain in the market for a top-level backrower since Anthony Foley retired and a forwards coach to replace Jim Williams. New head coach Tony McGahan returns from his native Australia on July 1st so no further movement on recruitment is expected until then.

However, it appears Jeremy Manning will not be returning to New Zealand to take up a contract with North Harbour.

Munster return to Chicago for a match against the US Eagles on August 23rd while London Irish come to Musgrave Park on Friday August 29th (7.30pm kick-off).

Ulster coach Matt Williams has been busy trying to fill the void after a substantial exodus of regulars in Neil Best, Neil McMillan, Roger Wilson, Justin Harrison and Tommy Bowe. They are scouring the Southern Hemisphere for another three-quarter and a prop.

Outhalf options have been strengthened by the return of the younger Humphreys brother, Ian, from Leicester while lock Ed O'Donoghue and fullback Clinton Schifcofske arrive from the Queensland Reds along with promising South African number eight Robbie Diack, 22, snapped up on a three-year deal from the Stormers.

Connacht face into another difficult campaign, hardly helped by the departure of Fogarty, and Peter Durcan to French club La Rochelle. They have boosted scrumhalf resources by signing Frank Murphy from Leicester and Kieran Campbell from Ulster.

Players on the move

ULSTER

In

Ian Humphreys (Leicester Tigers), Robbie Diack (Stormers), Ed O'Donoghue, Clinton Schifcofske (Both Queensland Reds), Cillian Willis (Leinster).

Out

Neil Best, Roger Wilson (both Northampton), Neil McMillan (Harlequins), David Humphreys, Adam Larkin (both retired), Justin Harrison (Bath), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Kieran Campbell (Connacht), Kieran Hallett, Simon Best (retired), Mark Bartholomeusz, Mark Kettyle, Niall Conlin, Tim Barker, Matt Miles, Grant Webb.

Neil Doak is the new skills coach.

David Humphreys has become Operations Director. Defence coach Neill Kelly has departed.

LEINSTER

In

Isa Nacewa (Auckland Blues), CJ Van Der Linde (New State Cheetahs), John Fogarty (Connacht), Rocky Elsom (ACT Brumbies), Simon Keogh (Harlequins).

Out

Keith Gleeson (retired), Fionn Carr, Ian Keatley (both Connacht), Cillian Willis (Ulster), Ross McCarron, Richie Leyden, Christian Warner, Mick Berne, Ollie Le Roux, Juan Gomez (all released).

Cameron Jowitt is now Irish qualified.

Alan Gaffney comes in as backline consultant

CONNACHT

In

Frank Murphy (Leicester), Sean Cronin (Munster), Ian Keatley (Leinster), Fionn Carr (Leinster), Kieran Campbell (Ulster).

Out

Kevin Moran (Galwegians), Matt Mostyn, Darren Yapp, Tom Tierney (all retired), Ofisa Treviranus (Samoa), Peter Durcan (La Rochelle), John Fogarty (Leinster), Conor McPhillips (St Mary's).

MUNSTER

In

Mike Prendergast (Harlequins).

Out

Sean Cronin (Connacht), Shaun Payne (retired — replaces Gerry Holand as team manager), Antony Foley, John Kelly (both retired), Mossie Lawlor, Eugene McGovern, Gerry Hurley (all released).