Shane Jennings looks set to join the Tigers at the end of the season

The 23-year-old Dubliner has been prominent in the Leinster side this season and played for Ireland A against France last month.

Jennings was singled out by Tigers' flanker Neil Back ahead of Saturday's Heineken Cup tie between the two sides.

"I've looked at a number of Leinster's recent games and he has really stood out for me," Back said.

Jennings came into his own this season when filling the void vacated by Ireland open-side Keith Gleeson, who broke his leg in pre-season training.

A former Ireland under-21 star, Jennings' possible move to England will be seen as a blow to the IRFU, who are keen to keep promising players at home.

They have already failed to bring Johnny O'Connor back from Wasps after the Ireland flanker signed a new one-year contract to stay with the Zurich Premiership side.

Gavin Duffy, who broke into the international squad during the Six Nations campaign, is still considering a move back to Connacht from Harlequins.