By:
Conor Martin
Leinster have named their squad for their United Rugby Championship meeting with Connacht at Dexcom Stadium this Saturday.
Caelan Doris will lead the charge as captain, marking a milestone 100th appearance for the province.
The dynamic back-rower has been a cornerstone of Leinster’s engine room, combining physicality with intelligence, and he’ll be determined to guide his side to another dominant display.
Saturday also promises a special debut as Niall Smyth earns his first senior cap. The New York-born prop, who starred for Blackrock College in 2024, lifting the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Boys Schools Senior Cup, takes the number three jersey.
He will anchor a front row featuring Gus McCarthy and Jack Boyle, giving Leinster a mix of youth and experience up front.
https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/2014670323510067205
Leinster have gone for experience and fresh blood for this weekend’s clash
Coach Leo Cullen has named a side blending proven campaigners with exciting new talent, signalling intent for a high-intensity encounter.
RG Snyman locks horns with James Ryan in the engine room, while centurion Caelan Doris marshals the back row alongside Will Connors and Alex Soroka. Together, they form a powerful trio ready to dominate the breakdown and carry Leinster forward.
At half-back, Harry Byrne commands the out-half role, with Fintan Gunne pulling the strings at scrum-half. In midfield, Charlie Tector teams up with Garry Ringrose, combining creativity and attacking threat to unlock the Connacht defence.
James Lowe makes his eagerly awaited return since last month’s Munster win, sitting just one try shy of Shane Horgan’s all-time Leinster record of 69.
Lowe takes his place on one wing, with Joshua Kenny on the other, while Ciarán Frawley anchors the back three at full-back. Their pace and finishing ability add serious firepower to the Leinster attack.
On the bench, Rónan Kelleher, Jerry Cahir, and Andrew Sparrow provide front-row options, while Brian Deeny, Jack Conan, and Scott Penny bring muscle and impact off the bench in a 6/2 split.
Luke McGrath and Ruben Moloney complete the replacements, ensuring depth and energy throughout the contest.
It’s a perfect blend of experience, talent, and dynamism, a Leinster side primed to take the game to Connacht from the first whistle.
Fans can expect a fast, physical battle as Leinster look to assert themselves early, using their trademark set-piece strength and fluid attack to challenge Connacht at every turn.
What’s more, they go up against a team managed by Stuart Lancaster, who enjoyed a lot of success with Leinster and has named a strong side to take on his old club.
Leinster team to play Connacht:
Leinster: Ciarán Frawley, Joshua Kenny, Garry Ringrose, Charlie Tector, James Lowe, Harry Byrne, Fintan Gunne, Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, Niall Smyth, RG Snyman, James Ryan, Alex Soroka, Will Connors, Caelan Doris (Captain)
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jerry Cahir, Andrew Sparrow, Brian Deeny, Diarmuid Mangan, Scott Penny, Luke McGrath, Ruben Moloney
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