Munster in the running to bring Ireland international back home

This would be a tasty signing.

Dillane had a hugely successful career with Connacht, before leaving in 2022, and was one of their standout performers during their run to the 2016 Pro12 title.

He made his Ireland debut at just 22 years of age during the 2016 Six Nations against England, and has won 14 caps.

A native of Tralee, the 32-year-old would be a big asset to his home province, given his athleticism, versatility and experience.

This experience also includes a Champions Cup title from 2023 and 78 appearances for La Rochelle.

With Munster losing Jean Kleyn to Gloucester at the end of the season, it would be an astute purchase, particularly given that it would not take up an NIQ slot.

Explaining his rugby and Kerry roots, he said: "I played quite a few sports before playing rugby initially. I was trying to find which sport was for me. Then when I was 13 my mam bribed myself and my brother Cian a fiver to go down to the local club to try out rugby for one day.

"We were really shy at the time, but that helped hugely and I never looked back from that. After the first training session we were like: 'this is the sport and club for us'.

"Tralee RFC is a brilliant club and everyone is so nice down there. Our old manager even came up to the Munster game the last day. It was great to see him there."