Oli Jager's Crusaders exit prompts Irish interest

Oli Jager could be set for a return to Ireland, after the Crusaders confirmed he's likely to depart the Super Rugby champions.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Kildare, has been based in New Zealand for the last 10 years where he has won five Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.

Jager has previously turned down the opportunity to return to Ireland with Munster, having set a goal to play Test rugby for the All Blacks.

The tighthead prop has previously been included in the non-capped 'All Blacks XV' squad for their game against Ireland 'A' in 2022, but missed out due to injury, while he was ruled out of a similar tour of Japan in the summer due to injury.

The former Blackrock College student - who is still Irish qualified - has played more than 50 times for the Super Rugby giants since 2017, while also featuring for Canterbury in the New Zealand domestic championship.

However, Jager (above) was not included in the Crusaders squad for the 2024 season, with head coach Rob Penney saying he had requested an early release from his contract in order to pursue a deal outside of New Zealand.

"We are in the process of working through that and, ultimately, that will probably be honoured," Penney said.

And when asked if Jager was set to return to Ireland, the former Munster coach was coy over his destination.

"I can't elaborate too much...you will put two and two together, and he will come out with a release very shortly."

The experienced prop would be highly sought by any of the four provinces, with Leinster or Ulster appearing like the obvious landing spots.

Leinster are set to lose another former Crusader - Michael Ala'alatoa - at the end of the season, leaving them light on experience when Tadhg Furlong is unavailable.

Ulster also stand