Ex-Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan talked about the possible need for Leinster to sign a few foreign marquee player on OTB AM on Friday.

It was suggested in an Irish Times article on Friday that Leinster are missing marquee players similar to Munster’s signing of RG Snyman and Damian de Allende.

Quinlan does not think that this would be a bad move for the blue province.

“It’s not the worst idea in the world,” Quinlan said.

“Scott Fardy came in, James Lowe, [Jamison] Gibson-Park, these guys, two of them are Irish qualified.

“Maybe their next cycle of signings, they would look to bring in one or two marquee players.”

Although the there might be a gap in big names for Leinster from other countries, their strength in depth has seen them become one of the best teams in Europe.

Scott Fardy of Leinster during the Guinness PRO14 Round 14 match between Leinster and Munster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Quinlan thinks that because of this, they would not find it difficult at all to sign big names.

“I think when you’re right up there with being one of the best sides in Europe, if not the best side, they could certainly attract a couple of big overseas signings,” Quinlan said.

“It depends on budget, and how far they want to extend.

“They have their challenges trying to keep their own academy players and bring them up into full contracts.

“I think they used 53 players in the PRO 14 last year, so it is getting that balance right.

“You bring in a couple of guys and that eats up some of the budget.

“Maybe [then] you don’t get to sign or promote one or two of the younger players.

“Promoting younger players in the last couple of years has worked incredibly well for them, but Johnny Watterson is definitely making a valid point.

“Maybe it is time to bring in one or two just to make them even better than what they are.”

Quinlan thinks that the addition of a marquee signing would not be to solve any supposed issues, as he does not believe there are any issues for Leinster.

“There is no dramatic shift or change needed, because I think their template is the envy of most of Europe, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world, for sure,” Quinlan said.

“I think the other provinces have had to make signings like that to try and improve.

“Leinster’s depth and the younger players coming through, it could affect that situation.”

Foreign players making up big signings is commonplace in Europe, with many South African, Fijian, Australian and New Zealand players plying their trade away from home.

Damian de Allende of Munster is tackled by Conor Fitzgerald of Connacht during the Guinness PRO14 Round 15 match between Munster and Connacht at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

One simply has to look at Sale Sharks to see almost half of their starting line up is made of South Africans.

“Certainly in Europe when you look at the teams you’re coming up against and the quality of the overseas players they can bring in,” Quinlan said.

“Leinster’s budget is a big budget for signing, and it has been reported that Munster got outside help to sign the two South African World Cup winners.

“I don’t think that would be a problem for Leinster.”

Quinlan believes that Leinster only need one big signing, if any, to balance out the side.

“They could bring in one world class player in a position maybe that could play in a couple of positions like a back three player, or an outside back, or a loose forward-cum-second row,” Quinlan said.

“They wouldn’t have a problem attracting any world class players.”

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