Any chance of a loan lads?

Ulster are exploring the possibility of bringing in Munster’s JJ Hanrahan or Leinster’s Joey Carbery on a short-term basis according to a report in The Irish Independent this morning.

The northern province are short at ten with Paddy Jackson currently unavailable indefinitely. Christian Lealiifano was brought in at the start of the season on a short-term deal, but is set to return to the Brumbies in Australia after the pool stages of the Champions Cup.

Ulster coach Les Kiss is not ruling out a move for Carbery or Hanrahan who find themselves behind others in the pecking orders at their clubs at the moment. Leinster have Johnny Sexton and Ross Byrne at ten, while Munster have Ian Keatley and Tyler Bleyendaal.

“That’s a possibility,” Kiss said.

“If you’re going to ask for someone, it’s hard for another province to release a guy because you can be down a player like that, it’s such a challenge.

“Remember too we are looking for a player who will not be involved in Six Nations or provincial rugby during February, March or April.

“We are looking worldwide at the options and hopefully it can get sorted keeping in mind we need an experienced outhalf who has leadership experience.”