LEINSTER are still chasing the signature of New Zealand hooker Quentin MacDonald.

It is understood the delay in capturing the Tasman Mako man is down to the slow process of his work permit and the situation could stretch out into the new year.

Despite the drawn out process, MacDonald remains Leinster's man to replace Richardt Strauss, who has been sidelined until April, maybe even the rest of the season, as he recuperates from an operation for a hole in his heart.

It is just as well Ireland international Seán Cronin has been in the form of his life while Leinster have had to make do without the luxury of two international hookers.

Another New Zealander, Aaron Dundon (31) has stepped into the breach, playing 11 times this season, starting four times, most recently in the 11-6 defeat to Edinburgh on Friday night.

Below him, the Leinster Academy contains James Tracy (22) who has transitioned from loose-head to hooker in the last season and Ireland U-20 Bryan Byrne (20) a player of real potential. The former does not have enough experience in the position. The latter simply doesn't have the experience. They are not ready, yet.

There had been rumours flying around about the possible import of All Blacks Andrew Hore or Keven Mealamu. They have always been well wide of the mark.

Mealamu (34) has stated his ambition to play on to the 2015 World Cup and signed a contract extension with Auckland Blues, the club which MacDonald played for last season.

Hore (35) announced his international retirement from the game after the All Blacks miracle win over Ireland, although Munster have been linked to him as recently as last week, as their first choice Mike Sherry is out for the rest of the season with ruptured knee ligaments.

MacDonald saw action for the Maori All Blacks three times in 2012, twice from the bench against Leicester Tigers and a Championship selection, then as a starter against Canada in Oxford.

He is described on the official All Black website as "a solid and reliable scrummager whose size and power make him a real problem for his opponents" as well as earning "a reputation for the devastating accuracy of his lineout throwing".

The former teammate of Leinster centre Andrew Goodman got game time as the replacement hooker in New Zealand's 38-3 demolition of England in the inaugural U20 World Cup final at the Liberty Stadium in 2008.

This was the Baby Blacks edition of players that included that dreaded Ryan Crotty – remember him from the Aviva in November? – and Sam Whitelock, as well as fellow bench warmers Aaron Smith, Sean Maitland and Connacht's Rodney Ah You.

Debut

It was also the year he made his debut for Tasman on his way to 56 caps. He spent three seasons at the Canterbury Crusaders, 2010-2012, playing 22 times, and one at the Auckland Blues, playing six times.

The season spent in Auckland this year has not led to the benefit of a long-term tenure, for reasons best known to his coach John Kirwan.

New Zealand rugby writer Scott Donaldson cited Kirwan's decision to leave MacDonald out as "a surprising omission from the Super Rugby 2014 squads given that he was on fire for the Tasman Makos this season".

Donaldson made this assertion as part of listing MacDonald right there among his top-10 most unlucky players to miss out on a Super Rugby contract.

MacDonald may not be a revered name in world rugby. But he is a respected one in New Zealand. That could be good enough for Leinster.