Leinster ready for Connacht interpro

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named his starting XV for Saturday’s interpro game with Connacht.

The squad will be looking to bounce back this weekend from a disappointing interprovincial defeat against Ulster on their last day out.

There's a welcome return to the lineup for centre Ciarán Frawley who has recovered from a facial injury. He's joined in midfield by Jamie Osborne.

The last line will be made up of Jimmy O'Brien with Tommy O'Brien on his right and Rory O'Loughlin on his left. Luke McGrath captains the side, partnering Ross Byrne in the half-backs.

Up front, recent centurion Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Michael Ala'alatoa are the front row with Ross Molony and Joe McCarthy packing down behind them.

The starting XV is completed by a back row of Rhys Ruddock, Scott Penny and Max Deegan. Among the replacements, there's a potential debut for Academy back Chris Cosgrave.

A versatile player, Cosgrave can play anywhere across the back three but has also lined out at out-half and centre during his school days in St Michael's College.

Now playing his club rugby with UCD RFC, he also played for Old Belvedere in his earlier years.

Leinster

15. Jimmy O'Brien
16. Tommy O'Brien
17. Jamie Osborne
18. Ciarán Frawley
19. Rory O'Loughlin
20. Ross Byrne
21. Luke McGrath (C)

1. Peter Dooley
2. James Tracy
3. Michael Ala'alatoa
4. Ross Molony
5. Joe McCarthy
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Scott Penny
8. Max Deegan

Replacements:

16. Seán Cronin
17. Ed Byrne
18. Thomas Clarkson
19. Josh Murphy
20. Martin Moloney
21. Nick McCarthy
22. David Hawkshaw
23. Chris Cosgrave

Connacht v Leinster

Saturday 26th March,

The Sportsground, 19:35