Johnny Sexton and a host of Ireland internationals have been left on the bench for Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup opener with Montpellier.
Jimmy O'Brien has recovered from a back injury to take his place at full back with the former Newbridge College player making his European debut.
Hugo Keenan, fresh from his involvement with Ireland during the Autumn Nations Cup, starts on the right wing with Dave Kearney, who has four tries to his name already this season, selected on the left.
In the centre former Skerries Community College man Ciarán Frawley makes his first start in Europe after a number of impressive performances for the team already this season and he will be partnered by Robbie Henshaw who makes his 50th appearance in Leinster colours.
The half back pairing sees Luke McGrath at scrumhalf and Ross Byrne selected in the number ten jersey.
In the pack Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Michael Bent are selected in the front row, with Devin Toner and Scott Fardy behind them in the second row.
Rhys Ruddock captains the side from blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier on the openside. Caelan Doris completes the pack from number eight.
Amongst the replacements for Leinster Rugby are a number of players returning from international duty including Johnny Sexton and James Ryan who have recovered from their respective injuries to take their place on the bench.
Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien, Hugo Keenan, Robbie Henshaw, Ciarán Frawley, Dave Kearney, Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath, Peter Dooley, James Tracy. Michael Bent, Devin Toner, Scott Fardy, Rhys Ruddock (C), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jamison Gibson-Park, Johnny Sexton, Dan Leavy
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Montpellier v Leinster
Saturday December 12
Kick-off: 5:30pm
