Afternoon all,
The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Ulster in Round 17 of the BKT United Rugby Championship tomorrow evening in Kingspan Stadium has been named by Head Coach Leo Cullen (KO: 7:35pm, live on TG4 and Premier Sport).
Captain James Ryan returns to the starting lineup for the first time since January, after suffering an arm injury during the Guinness Six Nations.
Hugo Keenan is also named to start, having not played since the Investec Champions Cup win over Leicester Tigers last month.
Keenan starts at full back, with Tommy O’Brien and Rob Russell named on the wings. In the centre, Jimmy O’Brien and Charlie Ngatai join forces, with O’Brien featuring in the centre for the first time this season, after regularly impressing on the wing.
Cormac Foley starts his first domestic game of 2024, having returned from injury last month in South Africa. He is partnered in the half-backs by Harry Byrne.
In the pack, Cian Healy, Rónan Kelleher and Michael Ala’alatoa form a formidable front row, while Ryan is joined in the second row by Brian Deeny.
In the back row, Max Deegan, Will Connors and Jack Conan complete the pack.
Among the replacements, there is a blend of experience and youth, with the likes of Ross Molony, Luke McGrath and Academy back Ben Brownlee set to feature.
Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets)
15. Hugo Keenan (64)
14. Tommy O’Brien (32)
13. Jimmy O’Brien (77)
12. Charlie Ngatai (24)
11. Rob Russell (30)
10. Harry Byrne (66)
9. Cormac Foley (18)
1. Cian Healy (275)
2. Rónan Kelleher (59)
3. Michael Ala’alatoa (67)
4. James Ryan (79)
CAPTAIN5. Brian Deeny (16)
6. Max Deegan (110)
7. Will Connors (47)
8. Jack Conan (143)
Replacements
16. John McKee (26)
17. Michael Milne (38)
18. Thomas Clarkson (38)
19. Ross Molony (179)
20. Scott Penny (69)
21. Luke McGrath (207)
22. Sam Prendergast (15)
23. Ben Brownlee (8)
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
