LEINSTER’S IMPRESSIVE STRENGTH in depth is underlined by the fact they have been able to name a strong team for tomorrow’s British and Irish Cup final against Ealing Trailfinders.
All but one of the province’s starting XV has featured in the Guinness Pro14 this season, with coach Noel McNamara able to call upon experienced players such as Ian Nagle and Mick Kearney, as well as Ireland international Adam Byrne.
Leinster ‘A’ will again be captained by Bryan Byrne, with the Carlow native joined in the front row by brother Ed and Vakh Abdaladze, while Nagle and Kearney make up the second row pairing.
Josh Murphy, Peadar Timmins and Max Deegan make up a powerful back row unit having featured regularly for the senior team this term, as Leinster bid to win the competition for the third time.
In the back line, Ciarán Frawley moves from fullback to out-half and will be partnered in the half-backs by Charlie Rock, who last week helped Lansdowne to the AIL title at the Aviva Stadium.
Jack Kelly — the only player in the side yet to make a senior appearance for the province — comes in to start in the 15 shirt, with Tommy O’Brien and Byrne once again selected on the wings.
Conor O’Brien and Gavin Mullin will continue their midfield partnership in the final, which gets underway at 2pm and will be streamed live on Leinster Rugby Facebook page.
Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Caelan Doris and Will Connors are among those named on the bench, while Hugh O’Sullivan and Tom Daly provide the back line cover.
Leinster ‘A’:
15. Jack Kelly
14. Adam Byrne
13. Gavin Mullin
12. Conor O’Brien
11. Tommy O’Brien
10. Ciarán Frawley
9. Charlie Rock
1. Ed Byrne
2. Bryan Byrne (captain)
3. Vakh Abdaladze
4. Mick Kearney
5. Ian Nagle
6. Josh Murphy
7. Peadar Timmins
8. Max Deegan
Replacements:
16. Sean McNulty
17. Peter Dooley
18. Jack Aungier
19. Caelan Doris
20. Will Connors
21. Hugh O’Sullivan
22. Tom Daly
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