Rieko Ioane set for first Leinster start ahead of Leicester Tigers clash

December 11, 2025
243
Ultimate Rugby

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Leicester Tigers in Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Friday (KO: 8pm, live on Premier Sports 1) has been named by Head Coach, Leo Cullen.

After making his debut off the bench in Saturday’s 45-28 win over Harlequins, Rieko Ioane is set to make his first start for Leinster as he gets the nod in the centre alongside the returning Robbie Henshaw as part of seven changes to the starting XV from last weekend.

James Lowe also returns to the team, with Tommy O’Brien on the opposite wing and Jimmy O’Brien at full-back. Harry Byrne has been named at out-half, with Jamison Gibson-Park his partner at scrum-half.

Caelan Doris captains the team from number eight once more, with Jack Conan and Josh van der Flier completing an unchanged back row. James Ryan will make his 99th Leinster appearance as he returns to the starting XV, with Joe McCarthy joining him in the second row.

Tadhg Furlong and Rónan Kelleher come in at tighthead prop and hooker respectively, while Paddy McCarthy continues at loosehead.

Dan Sheehan, Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson provide the front row cover, with Diarmuid Mangan and Max Deegan completing the forward replacements. Luke McGrath and Sam Prendergast offer cover for the half-backs, with Ciarán Frawley completing the matchday 23.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (108)
14. Tommy O’Brien (50)
13. Rieko Ioane (1)
12. Robbie Henshaw (108)
11. James Lowe (94)
10. Harry Byrne (77)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (159)

1. Paddy McCarthy (11)
2. Rónan Kelleher (82)
3. Tadhg Furlong (157)
4. Joe McCarthy (51)
5. James Ryan (98)
6. Jack Conan (167)
7. Josh van der Flier (161)
8. Caelan Doris (95) CAPTAIN

Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (75)
17. Jack Boyle (33)
18. Thomas Clarkson (64)
19. Diarmuid Mangan (21)
20. Max Deegan (142)
21. Luke McGrath (240)
22. Sam Prendergast (38)
23. Ciarán Frawley (109)

Referee: Pierre Brousset (FFR).