By:
Conor Martin
Leo Cullen has confirmed his Leinster Rugby team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh Rugby at the Aviva Stadium.
The province look to build momentum on home soil and Luke McGrath will lead the side from scrum-half, bringing experience and tempo to the contest, while Charlie Tector is rewarded for his standout Player of the Match display against Connacht with a move into the number ten jersey.
Tector’s composure and attacking spark will be key as Leinster aim to stretch an Edinburgh side arriving in Dublin full of confidence.
That win last weekend against a tough Connacht side is something Cullen and his men will want to build on. Connacht themselves are off to Italy this weekend and have also named their team as they look to get back to winning ways against Zebre.
Ciarán Mangan set to make bow for province against Edinburgh
There is also a significant milestone in midfield, with Ciarán Mangan set to make his first competitive start for Leinster.
The young centre impressed in his debut appearance off the bench against Zebre Parma in October and now gets his chance from the opening whistle. He will line up alongside Rieko Ioane, whose power and international pedigree add real bite to the Leinster backline.
Leo Cullen has named a strong Leinster pack for Saturday’s URC showdown, with several players set to make their mark. Joshua Kenny and Ruben Moloney start on the wings, while Andrew Osborne takes the full-back role, giving Leinster plenty of pace and finishing threat out wide.
https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/2017206265382858805
In the front row, Andrew Sparrow earns a first-ever start at tighthead prop, while John McKee slots in at hooker and Jerry Cahir anchors the loosehead side. It’s a front row packed with energy and big-game potential.
RG Snyman returns to partner Brian Deeny in the second row, forming a powerful engine room. Max Deegan and Scott Penny take the flanks, with Diarmuid Mangan holding down the number eight position, adding ball-carrying strength and breakdown presence.
After making his debut last week, Niall Smyth is named among the replacements, joined by front-row cover Gus McCarthy and Alex Usanov. Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Josh Ericson and Will Connors provide impact off the bench in a 6/2 split, with Fintan Gunne and Hugo McLaughlin completing the matchday squad. It’s a lineup built for intensity and depth as Leinster look to dominate in the Irish capital.
With depth tested and opportunities taken, Cullen’s selection underlines Leinster’s blend of youth, form and experience as they prepare for a crucial URC encounter in front of the Aviva faithful.
Leinster team to play Edinburgh
Leinster rugby: Andrew Osborne, Joshua Kenny, Rieko Ioane, Ciarán Mangan, Ruben Moloney, Charlie Tector, Luke McGrath (Captain), Jerry Cahir, John McKee, Andrew Sparrow, RG Snyman, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Diarmuid Mangan
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Niall Smyth, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Josh Ericson, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Hugo McLaughlin
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