Leinster have made it clear that they would like Isa Nacewa to sign a new contract but the issue may be out of their hands.
Under new rules announced by the IRFU provinces will be unable to offer any of their foreign players new contracts from the 2012-13 season on.
The provinces have met with the IRFU to express their concern at the move and it is hoped that a resolution can be found to ensure foreign players can continue to line out for the provinces.
Nacewa is keen to see out the remainder of his career with Leinster and the Blues are hopeful that the IRFU will give the all clear for the 29-year-old Fijian to put pen to paper before the season ends.
"Of course, we'd love Isa to stay here for as long as he wants to stay," Leinster manager Guy Easterby said.
"He's not just a fantastic player, he's a fantastic person, he's just the type of person you'd want in you squad and outside of the playing, he's the kind of guy you'd want in your environment.
"If he's as keen to stay, we'd like to keep him."
Losing Nacewa would be a big blow to Leinster given the rumours linking Luke Fitzgerald and Rhys Ruddock with the exit door.
Reports suggest Ruddock could be on his way to Munster while Fitzgerald has yet to agree a deal with the IRFU. Easterby, however, is confident the pair will continue to play for Leinster next year.
"We'd love Luke to be here and obviously the IRFU want Luke to be here so it's a matter of them negotiating and hopefully coming to a deal," Easterby is quoted as saying in the Irish Daily Mirror.
"Rhys has expressed that he wants to stay here which is fantastic news for us."