Leinster name Dan Sheehan as captain for clash against Connacht

Dan Sheehan will captain Leinster for their United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, stepping in for regular skipper Caelan Doris.

The Ireland hooker leads the side from the front row, where he is joined by Andrew Porter and Thomas Clarkson. In the engine room, Joe McCarthy partners Brian Deeny, while the back row sees Will Connors return to action for the first time since October.

Connors lines up alongside Diarmuid Mangan at blindside flanker, with Jack Conan anchoring the scrum at number eight.

Leinster have opted for a youthful half-back pairing, with Sam Prendergast starting at out-half and Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half.

In midfield, Charlie Tector is named alongside Hugh Cooney, while the back three features Joshua Kenny and Tommy O’Brien on the wings, with Ciarán Frawley continuing at full-back.

On the bench, Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle and Rabah Slimani provide front-row cover. Academy lock Conor O’Tighearnaigh is set to feature for the first time this season, with Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier offering additional forward options in a 6–2 split.

Luke McGrath and Harry Byrne complete the replacements.

Leinster XV: Ciarán Frawley; Tommy O’Brien, Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector, Josh Kenny; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan (capt), Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Brian Deeny, Diarmuid Mangan, Will Connors, Jack Conan.

Reserves: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne.