Speaking at Leinster's mid-week press conference, coach Michael Cheika was asked to run the rule over some of his summer signings. See below for his thoughts.

- ON CHRIS WHITAKER, OWEN FINEGAN, TREVOR HOGAN AND STEPHEN KEOGH -

"Chris Whitaker and Owen Finegan have taken the roles I've hoped they would. Owen in particular - he and Trevor Hogan and Stephen Keogh have taken good organisational roles in our pack, which is probably something that was missing last year a bit.

"Whitaker has combined nicely so far with the various out-halves. It's creating a bit of depth, and a bit of leadership to go with the youth."

- ON HARRY VERMAAS -

"Harry's pretty fresh out of South Africa. I don't think he's travelled much before, so it's been a whole new world to him. But I think he's started to get to grips with the seriousness of the professional side of footy.

"He's got to prove himself at this level first but he's got good credentials, having been with the South African Under-21s. He's keen to make it a long stay here."

...The Leinster press conference which was held in usual surroundings at Old Wesley...

- ON LUKE FITZGERALD -

"Luke has showed an abundance of energy. He's so into it. We can't get him out of the place!

"He brings a lot of zip to the squad. Everybody's keen to see how he goes. He really brings a lot. It's not just his enthusiasm, it's his skills set. He's a strong kid too, who's going well on the physical side of things."