Yesterday, Leinster confirmed the worst kept secret in Irish rugby – that Fionn Carr and Damian Browne are signing up for next year. It’s been a roundabout trip for Carr, who initially appeared to be heading to Leinster (who baulked at his gametime demands, or so rumour has it) before being linked to Wasps and eventually agreeing a deal with Ulster, before they changed their minds. So back he came to Leinster, but one presumes, with a lesser bargaining hand. Top clubs weren’t queueing up to sign the Connacht flyer – Eddie O’Kidney, it seems, isn’t the only one who doesn’t sufficiently trust his defence and positioning.

On Wednesday Night Rugby last night Matty Williams lamented the move for Carr, who he can’t see getting the gametime he needs at Leinster. And at first glance, Leinster do look stacked in the outside backs division. But here at Whiff of Cordite, we’re excited about the prospect of seeing Carr in a blue shirt. Look a little closer, and it’s apparent that the one thing lacking from the Leinster backline is out and out gas. A pure finisher and terrific broken field player like Carr should prove highly valuable. Plus, he’ll have a chance to get a headstart on the likes of Fitzy and Robnoxious (and possibly Fergus and Shaggy), who will be down under for the first six weeks of the season. Schmidt has shown that if you take your chances he will continue to pick you, so if he can impress early he will have every chance of making a name for himself.