It is understood that coach Declan Kidney is worried that the slightest exposure to JEdward could cause the Leinster players in the squad to unleash their inner ladyboy – suffer a recurrence of the ladyboy syndrome which dogged Leinster rugby for years.

This vicious virus which caused sufferers to ponce about indiscriminately still effects many Leinster fans. Although very few players ever suffered from it Kidney’s management team are taking no chances.

“We’re keeping a close eye on the Leinster lads, looking for tell-tale signs like backcombing or eyeliner,” a spokesman said. “If we see anything like that the person responsible will be immediately quarantined.”

The spokesman denied that management were particularly concerned about one player. “We are monitoring all of them, not just Luke Fitzgerald,” he said.