What if...

[Flash Gordon]

The "problem" with the "Silly Season" is that sometimes the mask (or in old money guard) slips.
The biggest problem for Leinster and to an extent the IRFU is that if it becomes entrenched that it's no longer possible to win a HCC while playing for Leinster then the Marque players will move to where they can :-

A. Win silverware.
B. Make the big bucks.
C. Possibly learn a foreign language (Well it is the silly season in'it?)

Something to think about for all the stake holders because without a doubt some of our NIQ signings have been the difference between being winners and being also rans.

Every player knows that Leinster are one of the big clubs who have a really good chance of winning the Champions Cup. Under normal circumstances, the league win will give us an advantage in the pool stages as a top seed and the fact that we can focus on Europe and rest players is a massive advantage. Big thing for Irish players of course is the possibility to play for Ireland. Yes a tier 2 international like Madigan can make more money but top tier players in Ireland earn really good salaries. Furthermore, a lad like Furlong is a big thing here (in more ways than one...). A foreign prop playing in France or England is a nobody so commercial earnings come into play.

[Ruckedtobits]

it will be very interesting to see where James Cronin ends up. He plays like a front-row forward who will suit the Top 14 and his personality might suit the home / away balance in France. I've no idea who his agent is but France would definitely be a better lifestyle than English Premiership.