13 changes as Leinster team named for Benetton clash

Caelan Doris returns to the captain the side in one of 13 changes to the starting XV from last Friday’s 29-21 win over Ulster in Belfast.

Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan return to the back row, with Brian Deeny in the second row alongside Conor O’Tighearnaigh, who signed his first senior contract during the week.

Ed Byrne comes into the starting line up for the first time since May 2024 with Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong alongside him in the front row.

Harry Byrne, who signed a new Leinster contract earlier this week, has been named at out-half with Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half, while Rieko Ioane will partner Jamie Osborne in the centre.

Jimmy O’Brien continues on the left wing with Tommy O’Brien coming in on the opposite side and Ciarán Frawley at full-back.

Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson and Alex Soroka have been named among the replacements after signing new Leinster contracts this week, with Jerry Cahir and Scott Penny adding to the forward reinforcements. Fintan Gunne, Sam Prendergast and Charlie Tector complete the matchday 23.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Ciarán Frawley (119)
14. Tommy O’Brien (58)
13. Rieko Ioane (11)
12. Jamie Osborne (70)
11. Jimmy O’Brien (115)
10. Harry Byrne (87)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (167)

1. Ed Byrne (103)
2. Dan Sheehan (83)
3. Tadhg Furlong (163)
4. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (10)
5. Brian Deeny (51)
6. Jack Conan (174)
7. Josh van der Flier (169)
8. Caelan Doris (102) CAPTAIN

Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (27)
17. Jerry Cahir (12)
18. Thomas Clarkson (73)
19. Alex Soroka (26)
20. Scott Penny (102)
21. Fintan Gunne (30)
22. Sam Prendergast (46)
23. Charlie Tector (26)

Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU).