Isa Nacewa is expected to make a shock return to Leinster next season as Matt O'Connor seeks cover for his players who will be away at the World Cup with Ireland.

The New Zealander called time on his playing career two years ago and has since returned home to take up a role as a mental skills coach with Super 15 outfit the Auckland Blues.

It is understood that Leinster may be looking at Nacewa to assist in a coaching capacity with Richie Murphy (skills coach) also set to miss the first few months of next season due to his commitments with Ireland.

Many believed that Nacewa, now 32, retired too early at 30 but he cited repeated injuries as well as his wife's homesickness for the reasons behind his decision.

Speaking to the Irish Independent last year, Nacewa spoke of his passion for Leinster that burns as strong as it did when he joined in 2008.

"I couldn't picture myself playing for anyone else. I still watch every single Leinster game. I just couldn't see myself pulling on another jersey to be honest," he said.

"I had five successful seasons at Leinster which nobody can take away from me.

"We'd love to come back over, we love it here, but my wife is so close to her family too. She misses Ireland as much if not more than me."

Nacewa made 126 appearances in a five-year spell with Leinster but he must be approved as one of the province's four permitted non-Irish eligible players before any deal can be reached.

That decision lies with the IRFU's performance director, David Nucifora.

Jimmy Gopperth's departure (for Wasps) at the end of the season will free up one place while the Irish Independent also understands that Zane Kirchner has agreed a contract extension.

Leinster have made no secret of their desire to keep the South African at the province and a new deal is expected to be announced soon.

Kirchner joined Leinster from the Blue Bulls in 2013 and has made 23 appearances as well as scoring five tries.

Indo Sport