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.

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.