Leinster flanker Martin Moloney on trial at Exeter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs have taken Leinster’s former Ireland under-20 international blindside flanker Martin Moloney on trial during pre-season as he looks to earn himself a move to the Premiership this summer.

Moloney (24), a product of his hometown club Athy RFC, made one appearance for Leinster last season off the bench in a 42-12 hammering at the Stormers in April.

Educated at Knockbeg College, Carlow, he has also played for Old Belvedere in the All-Ireland D1B and started all five games of Ireland’s 2019 Under-20 Six Nations campaign, helping them secure a Grand Slam title.

Rassie Erasmus comments on the cards that were dished out against the Boks

Rassie Erasmus comments on the cards that were dished out against the Boks

Moloney made 11 appearances in four seasons at Leinster after making his debut in the Pro14 Rainbow Cup first-round defeat against Munster in April 2021, with his first start coming against Edinburgh almost a year later.

The United Rugby Championship giants have been a happy hunting ground for Chiefs boss Rob Baxter in recent years. Ahead of the 2022-23 Premiership campaign, he signed Jack Dunne and Rory O’Loughlin.

Dunne is still at Sandy Park after putting pen to paper on a new contract early in the year after turning down a move to the Scarlets, but O’Loughlin, however, has now retired after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.

Moloney has been with the Chiefs since they reported back for pre-season training and could be involved in either of the friendlies they have planned on August 24th against London Scottish and Cornish Pirates at Sandy Park.