LEINSTER MAY YET retain tighthead prop Marty Moore beyond the summer, with the Ireland international considering a u-turn on his move to Wasps.

Moore may yet be at Leinster next season. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

The 24-year-old had travelled to England to agree a three-year deal with the Premiership club in recent weeks, having rejected a two-year offer from Leinster.

However, The42 understands that Moore is now reconsidering his decision to leave Ireland and has expressed a desire to remain at Leinster into next season.

With a deal having already been struck between Moore and Wasps, Leinster may be required to pay a fee to buy the prop out of his agreement with the English club if they are to retain him.

Leinster would also need to offer Moore improved terms on their original two-year proposal, but The42 believes the province are willing to do so.

It’s understood that Joe Schmidt and his Ireland management team have intervened and expressed their desire for Moore to remain in Ireland beyond the end of his current contract, although the IRFU have not offered him a national deal.

The expected departure of Moore would have been a blow to Leinster, even with Mike Ross and Tadhg Furlong providing proven quality at tighthead prop, but head coach Leo Cullen and co. may now be able to retrieve the situation.

It’s unclear how Wasps have reacted to Moore’s reconsideration of the move to join Dai Young’s squad next season, although it would be understandable for there to be deep frustration at a possible late change of mind.

It remains to be seen whether Leinster can push through a deal to convince Wasps to release Moore from his agreement in England, as well as finalise personal terms with the 10-times capped Ireland international.

Successfully retaining Moore would naturally be a major boost for the province and Irish rugby.