Strong Kildare feel to Leinster side named to face Ulster

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024 - 14:14

There is a strong Kildare feel to the Leinster team named by Leo Cullen to take on Ulster Rugby in Round 7 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night (KO: 7.35pm, live on BBC Two Northern Ireland, RTÉ Player and Premier Sports 1).

Eadestown’s Jimmy O’Brien returns after injury and he takes his place in a back three that also includes Naas’ Andrew Osborne and another returnee after injury, Jordan Larmour.

Sallins’ Diarmuid Mangan will make his first appearance of the season alongside Brian Deeny in the second row.

While, Donadea’s Will Connors is in the back row along with Jack Conan, who captains the side and Max Deegan.

In total, there are 11 changes from the team who beat Lions last month, with Ross Byrne getting the nod at ten, where he will be partnered by Luke McGrath at scrum-half.

On his return from injury, McKee will be joined by Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani in the front row Lee Barron is also fit again and takes his place among the replacements, with Michael Milne and Rory McGuire providing the rest of the front row cover.

RG Snyman, who played in all three of South Africa's victorious autumn internationals this month, has also been named among the replacements, with James Culhane and Scott Penny completing a 6-2 split.

Fintan Gunne and Harry Byrne take the final spots in the matchday 23 as they look to cover the various back positions.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (84)

14. Jordan Larmour (110)

13. Liam Turner (32)

12. Charlie Tector (11)

11. Andrew Osborne (4)

10. Ross Byrne (168)

9. Luke McGrath (216)

1. Jack Boyle (12)

2. John McKee (28)

3. Rabah Slimani (4)