There is strong speculation that Garryowen's Tom Tierney is set to join Heineken European and Zurich Premiership champions Leicester for the coming season. The Munster and Ireland scrumhalf has been offered an IRFU contract, but the likelihood is, that he is set to play his professional trade across the water with the all-conquering Tigers. Since coming back from a serious injury towards the end of this year's AIL season, Tierney has been overtaken in the pecking order as number two to Peter Stringer. Mike Prendergast from Young Munster & Shannon's Derek Hegarty have featured as replacements for Stringer during last season's Celtic League and Heineken Cup campaigns.

Dean Richards, Director of Rugby at Leicester, had originally set his sights on Stringer but hopes of that deal materializing have faded. During last season Richards has used a variety of players in the number nine position including the versatile Austin Healey. Now Tierney is set to resurrect his career alongside fellow Irishman Geordan Murphy at Welford Road, and according to Garryowen Honorary Secretary, John Griffin, the likelihood is that the Dooradyle-based club are poised to lose their prized scrumhalf: "We haven't been officially informed of anything. But obviously it would be a good move for Tom. The rumor is that he passed all tests and he is going to be offered something from them. I haven't spoken to him. He did go there and Leicester have expressed an interest in signing him. And, if he leaves, we wish him the best."