Robbie Henshaw returns to the Leinster team for Saturday’s meeting with Emirates Lions.
Henshaw, makes his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury in one of 10 changes to the starting line-up.
Indeed, three Academy players are included in the starting XV. Andrew Osborne and Gus McCarthy keeping their places from last Saturday's 33-12 win over Connacht. Whereas, Hugh Cooney promoted from the bench after making his debut in Galway.
Indeed, Cooney is joined in the centre by the returning Henshaw. Hugo Keenan gets the nod at full-back once more as James Lowe returns to the starting team, with Osborne on the other wing.
Fresh off three impressive performances for Emerging Ireland in South Africa, Sam Prendergast has been handed the number 10 jersey where he will be partnered by Luke McGrath at scrum-half.
Whereas, McCarthy is joined in the front row by Michael Milne and Rabah Slimani. Whereas, Ryan Baird returns for his first start of the season alongside last week's BKT United Rugby Championship Player of the Match, RG Snyman.
Meanwhile, Caelan Doris, who was recently named Irish captain for the upcoming autumn internationals. Leads the team from number eight, while Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier offer support from the flanks.
Emerging Ireland stars enter Leinster panel
Another of last week's debutants keeps his place in the squad. First year Academy hooker Stephen Smyth is named among the replacements once more. He will be supported by the experienced prop duo of Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson.
Whereas, Brian Deeny and James Culhane round out the forward cover. Player-of-the-month Charlie Tector is set for his first appearance since returning from South Africa with Emerging Ireland.
Ross Byrne will continue his run of being involved in every game so far this season if he is introduced to the action.
However, having played in the pre-season friendly against Bordeaux-Begles, it will be a first competitive appearance of the season in blue for Cormac Foley if he comes off the bench tomorrow.
Leinster: 15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Andrew Osborne, 13. Hugh Cooney, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Luke McGrath, 1. Michael Milne, 2. Gus McCarthy, 3. Rabah Slimani, 4. RG Snyman, 5. Ryan Baird, 6. Max Deegan, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (C)
Replacements: 16. Stephen Smyth, 17. Andrew Porter, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Brian Deeny, 20. James Culhane, 21. Cormac Foley, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Charlie Tector
Leinster v Emirates Lions
BKT United Rugby Championship
Saturday October 25
Aviva Stadium, Kick-off: 17:15
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
