Rocky Elsom, CJ van der Linde and Isa Nacewa will spearhead the influx of southern hemisphere talent to Donnybrook over the summer months after Leinster confirmed their squad for the upcoming season.
Coach Michael Cheika has bolstered his pack significantly with the additions of experienced internationals Elsom and van der Linde while Auckland Blues star Nacewa can operate across the backline.
Cheika has also recruited a smattering of homegrown talent with Connacht hooker John Fogarty and Harlequins scrumhalf Simon Keogh penning deals with the Magners League champions.
Elsom was afforded an early release from his contract with the Australian Rugby Union earlier this morning, paving the way for the 25-year-old to join on a one-year deal upon the conclusion of the Tri-Nations in September.
The blindside flanker, who has won 33 caps with the Wallabies and was a member of the NSW Waratahs side that reached the Super 14 final, was granted an early release by the ARU on "compassionate grounds".
And while the ARU expect Elsom to return to Australia next summer, his deal with Leinster includes the option of another year in Dublin.
"I'm really excited about having the opportunity to play in a team that I know has a lot of good players," Elsom said today. "In Michael Cheika, the club has a very sought-after coach and with Alan Gaffney also joining the set-up, it's great for me personally that I am familiar with those two guys."
Van der Linde comes with an equally impressive CV, the 28-year-old prop having won 50 caps with South Africa and will provide a ready made replacement for the departed Ollie le Roux.
With an ability to operate at both tight and loosehead, van der Linde was an integral part of the Springboks world cup winning campaign.
"It was a tough decision leaving the Free State Cheetahs," he explained, "but I would like to thank my family, close friends and all the Cheetahs followers who have given me incredible support over the years."
In addition to the new signings, former academy players Eoin O'Malley and Sean O'Brien have been rewarded with professional contracts.
The province, meanwhile, hope to be in a position to announced their new forwards coach within the next fortnight.
Leinster Squad 2008-09
Backs: Girvan Dempsey, Rob Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald, Isa Nacewa (Auckland Blues), Shane Horgan, Gary Brown, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Eoin O'Malley, Fergus McFadden, Jonathan Sexton, Felipe Contepomi, Simon Keogh (Harlequins), Chris Whitaker, Chris Keane
Forwards: Stan Wright, Stephen Knoop, Ronan McCormack, CJ Van Der Linde (Cheetahs / South Africa), Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, John Fogarty (Connacht), Brian Blaney, Malcolm O'Kelly, Leo Cullen, Devin Toner, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Stephen Keogh, Kevin McLaughlin, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Shane Jennings, Rocky Elsom (NSW Waratahs / Australia)
