FORMER LEINSTER OUT-half Cathal Marsh looks set to continue his career in the US.

The42 understands that Marsh is close to finalising a move to Major League Rugby side Rugby United New York [RUNY].

The 26-year-old left his native province at the end of last season after making eight appearances in the 2017/18 campaign.

Marsh in action for Leinster last season. Source: Ryan Wilkisky/INPHO

Marsh, a former Ireland U20 international, made his Leinster debut in 2013 and played for the province a total of 26 times – including a pair of Champions Cup appearances – before being released this summer.

The creative playmaker now looks set to continue his career in the expanding Major League Rugby [MLR], which RUNY are joining ahead of next season.

With an Irish founder in Tipperary man James Kennedy, Eddie O’Sullivan and Shane Horgan on board as advisors, and Irishmen Dylan Fawsitt [now a US international], Marcus Walsh, Dave Gannon, Jack Fitzpatrick [capped by Canada] and Ross Deacon in their playing squad, Marsh would be joining a band of his compatriots at RUNY.

RUNY have big ambitions in professional rugby and have also signed former England fullback Ben Foden ahead of the 2019 season, while ex-USA boss Mike Tolkin is their head coach.

MLR had an encouraging inaugural season this year, with the Seattle Seawolves – who have an Irish founder in Adrian Balfour – emerging as champions.

The success of the first season of MLR, which was broadcast live on national US television, has led to increased interest from abroad.

The Ligue Nationale de Rugby, which organises the Top 14 and Pro D2 in France, announced yesterday that it had entered into discussions with MLR about “the potential of an international partnership.”

- This article was updated at 3.48pm on 26 August to correct ‘Limerick man James Kennedy’ to ‘Tipperary man James Kennedy’.

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