Andrew Porter and Jamie Osborne return as Leinster make 12 changes for Scarlets clash

March 27, 2026
208
Ultimate Rugby

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Scarlets in Round 14 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Aviva Stadium on Friday (KO: 7.45pm, live on Premier Sports 1) has been named by Head Coach, Leo Cullen.

There are 12 personnel changes to the starting XV from last Saturday’s defeat in Glasgow, with Caelan Doris set the captain the side from number eight.

Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier join Doris in the back row, with Brian Deeny and Joe McCarthy in the second row.

Andrew Porter returns for his first appearance since the win over Connacht on 3 January, with Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong alongside him for the first time in blue this season after the trio started the final two Tests for the British and Irish Lions over the summer.

Harry Byrne partners Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs, with Garry Ringrose named in the centre alongside Jamie Osborne, who will line out for his first Leinster appearance since October.

Jimmy O’Brien shifts to full-back with Joshua Kenny swapping wings as Tommy O’Brien takes the number 14 shirt.

Gus McCarthy, Jerry Cahir and Rabah Slimani provide the front row cover from the bench, with Conor O’Tighearnaigh and Alex Soroka adding to the forward reinforcements. Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast are the half-backs in reserve as Robbie Henshaw completes the matchday 23.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (112)
14. Tommy O’Brien (55)
13. Garry Ringrose (143)
12. Jamie Osborne (67)
11. Joshua Kenny (11)
10. Harry Byrne (84)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (164)

1. Andrew Porter (143)
2. Dan Sheehan (80)
3. Tadhg Furlong (160)
4. Joe McCarthy (57)
5. Brian Deeny (48)
6. Max Deegan (151)
7. Josh van der Flier (166)
8. Caelan Doris (100) CAPTAIN

Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (24)
17. Jerry Cahir (9)
18. Rabah Slimani (31)
19. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (8)
20. Alex Soroka (24)
21. Fintan Gunne (28)
22. Sam Prendergast (44)
23. Robbie Henshaw (114)

Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU).