Leinster team named for final match in The RDS

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Connacht in Round 18 of the BKT United Rugby Championship tomorrow evening in the RDS Arena has been named by Head Coach Leo Cullen (KO: 7.35pm, live on TG4 and Premier Sport).

Scott Penny captains the team, while after announcing his retirement earlier this week, Rhys Ruddock is set to make his 229th appearance in blue.

Jimmy O’Brien starts at full back, with the fit again Tommy O’Brien and Rob Russell named on the wing.

After starring last weekend in the Investec Champions Cup Final, Jamie Osborne and Ciarán Frawley are named in the centre.

Sam Prendergast and Cormac Foley partner each other for the first time at home this season, in the half-backs.

In the pack, centurion Ed Byrne is joined in the front row by Rónan Kelleher and Thomas Clarkson.

Ross Molony and Brian Deeny form the heart of the pack, with Ruddock joining Penny and Jack Conan in the back row.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s match, Senior Coach Jacques Nienaber said a win against Connacht is crucial going into the URC Play-Offs.

"You want to go in with momentum. It would be awesome for us to go in with momentum into the knockout stages."

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)

15. Jimmy O’Brien (79)
14. Tommy O’Brien (34)
13. Jamie Osborne (45)
12. Ciarán Frawley (86)
11. Rob Russell (31)
10. Sam Prendergast (16)
9. Cormac Foley (19)

1. Ed Byrne (101)
2. Rónan Kelleher (62)
3. Thomas Clarkson (40)
4. Ross Molony (181)
5. Brian Deeny (21)
6. Rhys Ruddock (228)
7. Scott Penny (70) CAPTAIN
8. Jack Conan (146)

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan (61)
17. Michael Milne (40)
18. Michael Ala’alatoa (69)
19. Ryan Baird (68)
20. Max Deegan (111)
21. Luke McGrath (209)
22. Harry Byrne (67)
23. Charlie Ngatai (26)

Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU)