Leinster ‘A’ kick-off their British & Irish Cup campaign away to Richmond on Saturday and the fixture will see a return to action for Sean O’Brian and Jack Conan.
UPDATE: An earlier version of this team announcement had Tom Daly listed as a starter. Daly has been ruled out of the game and Jack Kelly will start. David O’Connor has also been named among the replacements and Peadar Timmins will captain the side.
O’Brien picked up an injury playing for Ireland against France in the Six Nations and hasn’t featured for Leinster since the win over Bath in the Champions Cup back in January of this year.
He starts in the back row along with Jack Conan, who also returns from injury, and Peadar Timmins who captains the side.
The second row is a mix of youth and experience as Ireland U20 captain James Ryan is paired with Maori All Blacks lock Hayden Triggs.
In the front row Bryan Byrne is flanked by Peter Dooley and Jeremy Loughman.
Nick McCarthy starts at scrum-half, with Ross Byrne completing the half-back pairing.
Jack Kelly and Jimmy O’Brien will be the ‘A’ team’s starting centre partnership for the opening B&I Cup fixture.
There are two changes in the back three as Adam Byrne comes in at full-back and Barry Daly starts on the wing to join Hugo Keenan who retains his place from last week’s starting XV.
Leinster ‘A’ play their first home British & Irish Cup match next Saturday, 22nd October, in Donnybrook against Nottingham (KO 3pm). Tickets will be available on the gate and Season Ticket holders can attend for free when they show their 2016/17 Season Ticket card.
Leinster ‘A’
15. Adam Byrne
14. Hugo Keenan
13. Jack Kelly
12. Jimmy O’Brien
11. Barry Daly
10. Ross Byrne
9. Nick McCarthy
1. Peter Dooley
2. Bryan Byrne
3. Jeremy Loughman
4. Hayden Triggs
5. James Ryan
6. Peadar Timmins CAPTAIN
7. Sean O’Brien
8. Jack Conan
Replacements
16. Sean McNulty
17. Oisin Heffernan
18. David O’Connor
19. Max Deegan
20. Will Connors
21. Charlie Rock
22. Jordan Larmour
