Lions full back Rob Kearney could be about to return to South Africa.
The Leinster star played a prominent role in the 2009 Lions series against the Springboks, featuring in all three Tests after injury ended Lee Byrne’s tour prematurely.
Kearney’s reputation received a massive boost with his performances in the Republic, with his early try in the second Test and his solid all-round game suggesting he should feature on a second Lions tour to Australia in 2013.
But a serious knee injury has seen him sidelined since November last year and he is now being linked with move to Super 15 side the Stormers in a bid to get some much-needed game time ahead of this year’s World Cup.
With the domestic season in the UK and Ireland coming to an end this weekend, the Irish Rugby Football Union are considering sending Kearney to Cape Town for the remainder of the Super Rugby campaign.
"We're looking at the South African option for Rob and we've made contact with the Stormers there," Ireland manager Paul McNaughton told the Irish Independent.
"We're waiting for sign-off from our medics in the next few days to see what weeks he can start playing.
"He's been keeping as fit as he can without playing matches, gym fit, but he'll obviously need some preparation before he plays down there."
