Not available.

Munster have issued a “hands-off” warning to Leinster according to a report in the Irish Independent, with the eastern province inquiring about the availability of star scrumhalf prospect Craig Casey.

The 20-year-old playing a starring role for Ireland U20s this year as they won a first Grans Slam in over a decade, with Leo Cullen said to be a keen admirer. Ironically enough Leinster are probably in the market for a nine because Nick McCarthy will leave them to join Munster this summer.

Munster have decided against renewing the contracts up Duncan Williams and James Hart, who will leave the province at the end of the season, leaving Conor Murray, Nick McCarthy, Neil Cronin and Casey as their four nines once Alby Mathewson’s short-term contract expires after the World Cup.

Casey made his full debut for Munster against Connacht a couple of weeks back when Conor Murray was a late withdrawal, impressing head coach Johann van Graan who is keen to retain the Ardscoil Rís man. The reports adds that Munster have since offered Casey a full development deal next season with a senior deal to follow the campaign after in a bid to retain him.