Leinster Make Twelve Changes To Team Ahead Of Saturday's URC Tie With Lions

Friday, 8 May 2026 16:19

By Emma O'Connor

Kick-off is at 5:30pm.

Leinster boss Leo Cullen has made 12 changes ahead of this weekend's URC tie with the Lions.

James Ryan, Thomas Clarkson and Rieko Ioane are the only players to remain in the starting 15 following on from last week's Champions Cup semi-final win over Toulon.

Ryan will captain the side from the second row, alongside Brian Deeny.

Ahead of them is Clarkson and Ed Byrne, with John McKee in between.

Max Deegan, Will Connors and James Culhane complete the pack.

Ciaran Frawley, Joshua Kenny and Eadestown's Jimmy O'Brien make up the back three.

Luke McGrath and Suncroft's Sam Prendergast start in the half-backs, while Ioane is joined by Naas's Jamie Osborne in the midfield.

Leinster Team:

15. Ciarán Frawley (120)
14. Joshua Kenny (13)
13. Rieko Ioane (13)
12. Jamie Osborne (72)
11. Jimmy O’Brien (116)
10. Sam Prendergast (48)
9. Luke McGrath (252)

1. Ed Byrne (104)
2. John McKee (43)
3. Thomas Clarkson (75)
4. Brian Deeny (52)
5. James Ryan (107) CAPTAIN
6. Max Deegan (155)
7. Will Connors (65)
8. James Culhane (25)

Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (85)
17. Andrew Porter (146)
18. Rabah Slimani (34)
19. Diarmuid Mangan (25)
20. Scott Penny (104)
21. Fintan Gunne (31)
22. Hugh Cooney (11)
23. Hugo Keenan (81)