“Well below.”

Ireland international fullback Rob Kearney was a notable omission from Leinster’s list of new contracts for next season released yesterday, as speculation regarding his future continues to grow.

Kearney, now 33, is yet to sign a new deal with Leinster or the IRFU, with his current €450k contract set to expire after the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

And now speaking to David Kelly of The Irish Independent, Kearney’s manager Dave McHuge says while negotiations with the IRFU are ongoing – they are still “well below” where they need to be for the fullback to remain in Ireland with Leinster.

“We had hoped to have reached a conclusion by now,” said Kearney’s manager Dave McHugh.

“The discussion is live and open. But, it has led us to check other options.

“The IRFU has made Rob an offer. But, if I am honest, it is well below where it needs to be – well below.

“It has been a little protracted. We are struggling to get it to a point where it makes sense for him.”

Kearney is said to have attracted interest from a number of French clubs with a Leinster exit beginning to look more and more probable.