Leo Cullen names Leinster team for season opener against Stormers

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on DHL Stormers in the opening round of the 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship on Friday at DHL Stadium (KO: 7pm local time / 6pm Irish time, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1) has been named by Head Coach, Leo Cullen.

Luke McGrath captains the side as Leinster kick off their URC title defence in their first competitive game since defeating the Vodacom Bulls in last season’s final at Croke Park, while Academy prop Andrew Sparrow is in line to make his senior debut off the bench.

Sam Prendergast partners McGrath in the halfbacks, with Ciarán Frawley and Robbie Henshaw forming a partnership in midfield.

Jordan Larmour and Tommy O’Brien have been named on the wings with Jimmy O’Brien given the nod at full-back.

In the pack, Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani will scrum down either side of Gus McCarthy, while Diarmuid Mangan and Brian Deeny add their power from the second row.

Ryan Baird takes the number six shirt, with Scott Penny named at openside flanker and James Culhane completing the line up at number eight.

Sparrow and Paddy McCarthy are the props in reserve with John McKee providing cover at hooker.

Max Deegan and Will Connors offer their experience to round out the forward replacements.

Harry Byrne, who has returned from his loan spell with Bristol Bears, joins Fintan Gunne and Hugh Cooney in providing the reinforcements for the backline.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (102)
14. Tommy O’Brien (47)
13. Robbie Henshaw (104)
12. Ciarán Frawley (103)
11. Jordan Larmour (113)
10. Sam Prendergast (34)
9. Luke McGrath (234) CAPTAIN

1. Jack Boyle (28)
2. Gus McCarthy (15)
3. Rabah Slimani (23)
4. Diarmuid Mangan (15)
5. Brian Deeny (36)
6. Ryan Baird (85)
7. Scott Penny (88)
8. James Culhane (18)

Replacements:
16. John McKee (35)
17. Paddy McCarthy (6)
18. Andrew Sparrow (0)
19. Max Deegan (136)
20. Will Connors (57)
21. Fintan Gunne (16)
22. Harry Byrne (72)
23. Hugh Cooney (5)

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)