Adidas are set to take over from Canterbury as kit suppliers to Leinster in season 2018/19 on a five year contract.

A Leinster spokesman said the province do not comment on existing contracts but it’s understood the decision has already been made, leaving Adidas with both of Ireland’s biggest rugby brands: Munster and Leinster.

It’s likely that the deal will see the Adidas Leinster gear available only through Life Style Sports, as is the case with Munster.

“Everybody wants exclusivity now, that’s the way the market is going,” an industry source said. “I’d say it’s only a matter of time before someone will want an exclusive deal with the Irish shirt when that becomes available.”

Canterbury, who have been long term suppliers to Leinster, took over the IRFU contract from Puma in 2015 on a deal worth more than €3m annually between cash, kit and bonuses. That contract runs up to 2020.

Online Editors