LEINSTER have tied their famous Leo down to a length new contract – but all is not as it seems.
On Tuesday, the province announced that the club’s mascot – Leo The Lion – had “signed” onto a new 20-year extension until 2044.
The announcement caught many fans by surprise, not that it took away from their ability and willingness to join in on the fun.
Eanna joked: “Becoming a f*****g joke all these signings” while another quipped: “Excellent news
“Expected the deal to be done sooner but I presume they were working out a special claws in the contract…..”
David remarked: “Great bit of business! Usually has an element of risk giving people huge long term contracts, but if it keeps our best talent in the province, it’s worth every penny”
Eoin admitted: “Thought it was Leo Cullen n nearly cried” and Stephen tweeted: “Smart bit of business there. The true backbone of the team.”
Fans will have been forgiven for thinking the announcement was for yet another big-name signing, considering their activity in the transfer market this summer.
Among the recruits brought into Leo Cullen’s squad are World Cup-winning Springbok RG Snyman, and Rabah Slimani.
They have also committed the likes of Ireland stars Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, new captain Caelan Doris, Ciaran Frawley, and Jordan Larmour to new deals.
And at the end of November, they will welcome the arrival of All Blacks talisman Jordie Barrett to the fold when he joins on a six-month deal.
Leinster fans were made to sweat on Barrett’s fitness, however, when he was pictured in a knee brace at Sydney Airport.
The 27-year-old suffered an injury on international duty during New Zealand’s 31-28 win over Joe Schmidt’s Australia at the weekend.
On Tuesday, Barrett revealed that he had suffered an injury to the MCL in his left knee, and would be out of action for 4-6 weeks.
This will rule him out of New Zealand’s second Test against the Wallabies on Saturday, while also making him a potential doubt for when the All Blacks face Ireland.
Andy Farrell‘s men face New Zealand on November 8, which would be a few days after Barrett’s return based on the six week window.
While a blow for the World Cup finalists, it should put to rest any doubts surrounding his availability for Leinster.
His arrival will be another spoke in an ever-inflating wheel as the Blues look to get their hands on the United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup.
They got their URC campaign off to the perfect start with a 33-31 win over Edinburgh thanks to a moment of magic from Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.
With the game in Edinburgh tied at 19-19 in the 52nd minute, JGP produced some sublime play off the base of a ruck, fending off Ali Price and then Duhan van der Merwe to score beside the posts and secure a bonus point.
Jack Conan – serving as captain in the absence of new skipper Caelan Doris – singled out the Kiwi-born star for his impact.
He said: “Momentum was slipping a little bit.
“But he got us out of trouble then and we held on.
“We will be kicking ourselves for some of our decisions, there’s a lot to get better but it’s the first game of the season.”
