The Leinster Rugby team that will take on Dragons RFC in Round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship tomorrow evening at Aviva Stadium has been announced today. Leo Cullen has made seven changes to the starting XV from the 33-31 win against Edinburgh, with nine changes to the matchday 23.
Jamie Osborne starts as the province's fullback. He is joined in the back three by wingers Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O'Brien. In midfield, Liam Turner and Charlie Tector get the nod from Leo Cullen.
The side's halfbacks are Ross Byrne at flyhalf and Luke McGrath at scrumhalf.
In the front row, Cian Healy will become Leinster's record appearance holder this week when he plays his 281st game. He starts alongside Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson. The engine room consists of the duo James Ryan and Brian Deeny. The side is completed by a backup trio of Max Deegan, Will Connors, and Jack Conan.
🚨 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
🔵 Here is the #LeinsterRugby team to face @dragonsrfc in our home opener at the Aviva.
2️⃣8⃣1️⃣ Cian Healy is set to break Big Dev's appearance record!#FromTheGroundUp #LEIvDRA pic.twitter.com/QM4J9gI41K— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) September 26, 2024
Michael Milne, who was withdrawn from the season opener after 48 minutes with an ankle injury, has been named on the bench alongside summer signing Rabah Slimani and hooker Lee Barron.
Ireland internationals Josh van der Flier and Joe McCarthy make up the remainder of the forward reinforcements for Friday night’s game at the Aviva.
Academy duo Fintan Gunne and Aitzol King take their place among the replacements, with Harry Byrne offering cover at out-half.
Kick-off is at 7:35 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on TG4 and Premier Sport.
Leinster team to play Dragons
Fullback Jamie Osborne;
Wingers: Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien;
Centres: Liam Turner, Charlie Tector
Halfbacks: Luke McGrath; Ross Byrne,
Front Row: Cian Healy, Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson;
Second Row: Brian Deeny, James Ryan;
Back Row: Max Deegan, Will Connors, Jack Conan (captain).
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Rabah Slimani, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Fintan Gunne, Harry Byrne, and Aitzol King.
