Leo Cullen admits there are talks on the rules of playing RG Snyman in big games

"That’s a very private question."

The Springbok lock arrived in the summer from Munster after Jean Kleyn went back to play for his home country of South Africa, meaning the southern province could not have two NIQ players in the same position.

After getting rid of fellow South Africa Jason Jenkins - who had also come from Munster - there was a slot open at the dominant side in Ireland.

With Leinster's James Ryan and Joe McCarthy away with the national side throughout the year, the IRFU had no issue with the province improving their depth.

However, this presents an issue for the bigger games, where one of the three must be used as a substitute.

Given the IRFU see the provinces as a development ground for international players, it is an awkward look having someone of Ryan or McCarthy's class warming the bench.

The Irish Independent have reported that there is a clause in the Snyman signing, which stops his selection ahead of McCarthy and Ryan for the big matches.

Snyman has again been named on the bench for this weekend's Champions Cup clash with Clermont Auvergne.

And when asked about a clause, head coach Leo Cullen was coy but did divulge that there are conversations on the issue.

He said: "That’s a very private question. I don’t know if I’d be able to answer that in this forum.

"There would always be various conversations that would go on in the background, but it’s not something I’d be willing to share publicly here.

"We’ve got a couple of good ones starting and RG does that role pretty well for South Africa, so I think we’re all happy."

On whether Snyman will be extending his stay beyond this season, Cullen added: "He’s gone well, he’s fitted in well with the group most importantly and we’re at that stage of the season when those conversations are going on.

"And, if the gang here have something official to tell you they will."