Sexton to captain Leinster in Connacht clash

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Connacht Rugby in Round 11 of the BKT United Rugby Championship, on New Year’s Day in the RDS Arena, has been named by Leo Cullen (KO: 7:35pm – live on RTÉ TV, RTÉ Radio and URC TV).

13 changes have been made to the team that defeated Munster on St. Stephen’s Day, with Johnny Sexton returning to captain the team, as Jordan Larmour and Ryan Baird keep their places in the starting lineup.

Jimmy O’Brien starts at full-back, with Larmour and Rob Russell on the wings. Liam Turner and Charlie Ngatai form the centre partnership for the third time this season.

Sexton makes his first Leinster start since the URC win over Munster in October and will be partnered at half-back by Jamison Gibson-Park for the first time this campaign.

In the front row, Rónan Kelleher, is joined either side by Michael Milne and Michael Ala’alatoa.

Brian Deeny gets his first start of the season and is partnered by James Ryan in the second row.

Baird moves from the second row, into the back row, where he will pack down with Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris.

On the bench, the Academy trio of John McKee, Marcus Hanan and Alex Soroka look all set to feature.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):
15. Jimmy O’Brien (61)
14. Jordan Larmour (79)
13. Liam Turner (10)
12. Charlie Ngatai (9)
11. Rob Russell (11)
10. Johnny Sexton (188) CAPTAIN
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (119)

1. Michael Milne (20)
2. Rónan Kelleher (42)
3. Michael Ala’alatoa (34)
4. Brian Deeny (4)
5. James Ryan (65)
6. Ryan Baird (45)
7. Josh van der Flier (120)
8. Caelan Doris (61)

16. John McKee (9)
17. Marcus Hanan (3)
18. Vakhtang Abdaladze (23)
19. Alex Soroka (6)
20. Scott Penny (46)
21. Cormac Foley (9)
22. Harry Byrne (38)
23. Jamie Osborne (25)

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)