Miller's crossing looms

The likelihood of Eric Miller returning to play his provincial and club rugby in Ireland has increased significantly. This week's round of negotiations in the month-long saga of the transfer-listed Leicester number eight have been by far the most progressive and, although stumbling blocks remain, it will be a surprise if Miller doesn't return in the final round of the Guinness interprovincials three weeks hence, with Ulster still his probable destiny.

Negotiations between the player's agent, John Baker, and the IRFU contracts committee are ongoing and an IRFU official has admitted that "things are moving along well and the signs are very positive"; meaning that Miller's crossing has been reached and the signs are pointing him homeward.

The vexed question of a transfer fee for the 22-year-old, who has still three years of his contract at Leicester to run, was finalised on Wednesday. That figure remains undisclosed, although it seems sure to be less than half the original £100,000 that was being touted around a month ago.

As the IRFU will not countenance paying a transfer, that remains a stumbling block, but not one that can't be overcome, all the more so if Miller is given an international contract. A conclusion to these negotiations should be reached next week.

This would then leave the question of which province and which club Miller would play for, and it's a sign of the times that the province now comes first. A critical factor could be the position Miller plays in. Leinster would like him back as a number seven, where he made his international debut against Italy two seasons ago and is something of a problem position for the province, whereas Ulster and Connacht would welcome him with open arms as a number eight or blindside flanker.

As number eight is Miller's preference, and would seem to offer him a quicker route back into the Irish team, then Ulster and Connacht might appeal.

A slight hitch has emerged here, as Miller will not have been registered before September 12th to be eligible for the European competitions. Nevertheless, his new province would be sure to appeal against this inflexible and amateurish regulation, given he has not played for anyone this season.

Were he to link up with Ulster, Ballymena and Dungannon might enter the fray as Miller's choice of club, although neither covetous advances.

Galwegians head the chase from the west, with Buccaneers following suit, while Cork Constitution are leading the hunt from Munster. All of which befits the emergence of a rare jewel on the Irish transfer market.

Having bypassed the Irish tour of South Africa after two years of almost non-stop rugby, and confined to training in isolation at Leicester, Miller looks to be straining at the leash. He impressed all and sundry at the Irish get-together in Greystones.

Reluctant to talk to the print media though he is, clearly there's no such thing as bad publicity. He will be a guest on the Pat Kenny Show tonight.