Cullen names travelling squad for opening URC rounds in South Africa

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has announced a 41-man squad to head to South Africa for the opening two rounds of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

After successfully defending their title in the BKT URC Grand Final at Croke Park last June, Leinster kick off the 2026/27 season against the 10bet Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg before travelling to Durban to take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

The squad includes 22 forwards and 19 backs, with a mix of youth and experience as nine Academy players are included in the travelling squad, including the uncapped trio of Tadhg Brophy, Dylan McNeice and Todd Lawlor.

New signings Peter Dooley and Joey Carbery, who are both beginning their second stints at the province, will also make the trip to the Rainbow Nation.

Leinster take on the Lions on Saturday, 26 September (KO: 12.30pm Irish time / 1.30pm local time) in their season opener before heading to Kings Park a week later to face the Sharks (KO: 5.30pm Irish time / 6.30pm local time) on Saturday, 3 October.

Cullen and his squad will then return to Ireland for our home opener against Cardiff Rugby on 10 October (KO: 7.45pm).

Speaking about the squad announcement Head Coach Leo Cullen said; 

"With the new season upon us we are particularly pleased to announce an exciting squad that will represent Leinster rugby in South Africa for our BKT URC opening two rounds. Having watched Rugbys Greatest Rivalry and seeing South Africa win that series three tests to one we understand how difficult a challenge we have on our hands in taking on the Lions at Ellis Park, Johannesburg and the Sharks in Durban.

It will be a great opportunity, however, for some of the younger players, that acquitted themselves really well in pre-season, to test themselves in the home of the Rugby World Cup Champions.

Also a big thanks for everyone who turned out last Saturday to attend our Bank of Ireland Test Event versus Zebre at Laya Arena. We hope to fill this great venue for every home game this season starting with our official Homecoming to Laya Arena on October 10th against Cardiff. We can't wait to perform in front of our own supporters and create a great atmosphere at this and every match."



Leinster Rugby travelling squad (Leinster caps in brackets)

Forwards:
Ryan Baird (90)
Thomas Clarkson (80)
Jack Conan (180)
Max Deegan (161)
Brian Deeny (53)
Peter Dooley (104)
Josh Ericson (2)
Tadhg Furlong (167)
Rónan Kelleher (95)
Gus McCarthy (31)
Joe McCarthy (66)
Dylan McNeice (0)
Conor O'Tighearnaigh (11)
Scott Penny (106)
Andrew Porter (150)
James Ryan (112)
Dan Sheehan (89)
Niall Smyth (2)
Stephen Smyth (4)
Alan Spicer (2)
Alex Usanov (10)
Josh van der Flier (176)

Backs:
Tadhg Brophy (0)
Harry Byrne (94)
Joey Carbery (37)
Oliver Coffey (2)
Hugh Cooney (13)
Caspar Gabriel (1)
Fintan Gunne (33)
Robbie Henshaw (122)
Hugo Keenan (86)
Todd Lawlor (0)
Ciarán Mangan (2)
Hugo McLaughlin (2)
Jimmy O'Brien (120)
Tommy O'Brien (62)
Andrew Osborne (20)
Jamie Osborne (77)
Sam Prendergast (52)
Garry Ringrose (151)
Charlie Tector (27)