Shane Horgan believes that Rocky Elsom was forced to return to Australia despite his desire to spend another year with Leinster.
Elsom's year-long spell with the Irish province came to an end last week when he signed a contract with the CA Brumbies and the Australian Rugby Union.
The Heineken Cup final Man of the Match admitted that wanting to regain his place in the Australia side was a major factor in his decision to return home, but Horgan believes the ARU put pressure on the back-row to return.
"I respect Rocky's decision. It was unfortunate the position that he was put in," Horgan explained.
"Everybody wants to play test rugby and should be given the opportunity to do so but his hands were tied by the ARU.
"There needs to be some sort of accommodation, especially for a player of his talents. I know he was very keen to spend another year at Leinster."
Meanwhile, the winger is confident that the British & Irish Lions can spring a surprise by beating the Springboks in their tour of South Africa.
Horgan was a member of the 2005 squad that failed to secure a victory over New Zealand, but the Leinster player believes the strength of this year's panel will be paramount to their success.
"There are a lot of very good players out there. South Africa do look strong but I would be confident," Horgan is quoted as saying in the Irish Mirror.
"You can almost see the combinations start to gel now. It will be interesting to see who really nails down a spot in the next few games.
"I think it will be a very strong 15 that takes the field for that first test."