URC: Ospreys v Leinster, Swansea.com stadium (7.35, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1)
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has been able to call upon a number of Irish squad players for tomorrow night’s URC clash in west Wales.
Jamie Osborne, Ciarán Frawley, Jimmy O’Brien, Jack Boyle and Gus McCarthy will start against the Ospreys as will young centre Hugh Cooney, nominated as one of four development players in Ireland’s Six Nations squad.
Will a new coach bounce for Wales cause Ireland problems?
Osborne is named at fullback, with Tommy O’Brien back for his first match since picking up an injury in December. Cooney is partnered by Charlie Tector in the centre while Frawley will play alongside captain, Luke McGrath at halfback.
McCarthy returns to the frontrow, while there is plenty of athleticism and talent in the back five in the pack. RG Snyman and Ross Byrne provide senior international experience in what is a young bench.
The Counter Ruck: the rugby newsletter from The Irish Times
Munster assistant coach Lawler is confident any problems can be ironed out before Cardiff on Friday
Ireland go hunting for their third away victory in this season’s Six Nations championship
Clontarf’s Conor Kelly out to banish the ghosts of 2023 in Sunday’s league final
Leinster: J Osborne; T O’Brien, H Cooney, C Tector, J O’Brien (91); C Frawley, L McGrath (capt); J Boyle, G McCarthy, R Slimani; D Mangan, B Deeny; M Deegan, S Penny, J Culhane. Replacements: J McKee, P McCarthy, R McGuire, RG Snyman, A Soroka, F Gunne, R Byrne, A Osborne.
Referee: Filipo Russo (FIR)
