O'Brien and Prendergast start in Croke Park decider but Osborne has to settle for a place on the bench

Thu, 12 Jun, 2025 - 13:01

Eadestown's Jimmy O'Brien and Suncroft's Sam Prendergast have been named on the Leinster team to take on the Vodacom Bulls in the BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final on Saturday at Croke Park (KO: 5pm, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1) but Naas' Jamie Osborne has to settle for a place among the replacements.

O'Brien and Prendergast hold their places in their usual positions as Cullen makes just two changes to the team from the starting XV from Saturday's 37-19 win over Glasgow Warriors, with Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier coming into the team.

Jack Conan captains the team once again, with Ryan Baird lining up at blindside flanker with van der Flier on the other side.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan continue their partnership in the second row with Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson scrumming down either side of Dan Sheehan.

Ringrose partners Jordie Barrett in the centre, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Prendergast the half-backs.

Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe continue on the wings with O'Brien named at full-back once more.

Jimmy O'Brien retains his place at full back for Leinster for Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final against Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park Photo: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani provide the front row reinforcements with RG Snyman and Max Deegan providing their muscle from the bench. Osborne moves to the replacements alongside Luke McGrath and the departing Ross Byrne, who is set to make his 186th and final appearance for Leinster.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (101)

14. Tommy O’Brien (46)

13. Garry Ringrose (138)

12. Jordie Barrett (14)

11. James Lowe (91)

10. Sam Prendergast (33)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (157)

1. Andrew Porter (139)

2. Dan Sheehan (72)

3. Thomas Clarkson (58)

4. Joe McCarthy (49)