Leinster are reportedly eyeing up Springboks star Damian Willemse as a potential replacement for outgoing All Black Jordie Barrett.

In what would be another remarkable coup for the Irish giants, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner is on their radar.

According to RugbyPass, although Willemse is contracted to the Stormers until 2027 and is one of the highest-paid players in the country, he could well be prized away.

Big earner in South Africa

It centres around the Springbok back’s sponsorship deal with Ardagh, which reputedly helps him net around £425,000 a year.

The largest individual stakeholder of the glass and metal packaging company is Paul Coulson, who is a “billionaire Leinster superfan” and duly “wants Willemse to ply his trade” at the province.

Sources in both Ireland and South Africa have told RugbyPass that Coulson could look to “facilitate a move” for Willemse as they seek to replace Barrett.

Coulson also has links with former Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton, who was a legendary player at the Dublin-based outfit.

Sexton currently works at Coulson’s Ardagh Group and became their chief of staff following his retirement from playing at the conclusion of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The ex-playmaker initially worked there one day a week while he was still contracted to Leinster and Ireland, but joined on a full-time basis once he hung up his boots.

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Barrett’s NZR deal

Barrett, who like Willemse can play across the backline, only signed on a six-month sabbatical having agreed a long-term deal with New Zealand Rugby until 2028.

Barrett will therefore depart the Irish side at the end of the season and head back to the Hurricanes for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The 28-year-old has already made a huge impression during his short stint in Dublin and, although they have a significant amount of depth in the squad to cover his departure, his presence will still be missed.

They are not lacking options to fill either the 12 or 15 role, with Ireland star Robbie Henshaw generally the first choice inside centre for big games before the New Zealander arrived and Hugo Keenan filling the 15 slot.

Jamie Osborne, who has made his way into the Test reckoning, is also highly regarded in both positions, while fellow 23-year-old Charlie Tector has featured plenty of times for Leinster at 12 this season.

However, having someone of Willemse’s ability would be hugely valued given his obvious class and versatility, but also for the fact that he would be available while the Ireland players are away on Six Nations duty.

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/leinster-line-up-springboks-rugby-world-cup-winner-as-jordie-barrett-replacement-with-billionaire-superfan-central-to-shock-transfer-report