Ryan returns to lead Leinster

The matchday squad contains over 2,400 Leinster caps

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Ulster in the Quarter-Final of the BKT United Rugby Championship tomorrow evening in Aviva Stadium has been named by Head Coach Leo Cullen (KO: 5pm)

James Ryan returns to captain the team, having last started a game in the Round 17 loss to Ulster last month. The matchday 23 has over 2,400 Leinster appearances, with ten centurions selected in the squad.

After an impressive two-try salvo last week against Connacht, Jimmy O’Brien keeps his place at full-back. He’s joined in the back-three by Jordan Larmour and James Lowe.

Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne continue their impressive partnership in the centre, while Ross Byrne and Bank of Ireland Men’s Player of the Year Jamison Gibson-Park complete the back line.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong form a formidable front row.

Ryan is joined by the Laya Healthcare Men’s Young Player of the Year Joe McCarthy in the second row, while Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris pack down in the back row.

Among the replacements, both Sam Prendergast and Ciarán Frawley are named amongst the backs.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)

15. Jimmy O’Brien (80)
14. Jordan Larmour (106)
13. Robbie Henshaw (90)
12. Jamie Osborne (46)
11. James Lowe (79)
10. Ross Byrne (160)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (140)

1. Andrew Porter (120)
2. Dan Sheehan (62)
3. Tadhg Furlong (145)
4. Joe McCarthy (33)
5. James Ryan (81) CAPTAIN
6. Ryan Baird (69)
7. Josh van der Flier (141)
8. Caelan Doris (81)

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher (63)
17. Cian Healy (277)
18. Michael Ala’alatoa (70)
19. Ross Molony (182)
20. Max Deegan (112)
21. Luke McGrath (210)
22. Sam Prendergast (17)
23. Ciarán Frawley (87)

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)