Keogh to lead Leinster out

Stephen Keogh will lead Leinster out in their first match of the season in a pre-season friendly against Rugby Nice Cote d'Azur in the south of France (KO: 6pm Irish time, 7pm local).

The most interesting selection is that of Ireland Schools Brendan Macken, an outstanding prospect, beside Isa Nacewa in the centre.

Close season signings Mike Ross and Shaun Berne, who starts at out-half, will make their debuts and trialist Billy Ngawini is on the bench.

LEINSTER (v Nice):

15: Niall Morris

14: Shane Monahan

13: Brendan Macken

12: Isa Nacewa

11: Simon Keogh

10: Shaun Berne

9: Paul O’Donohoe

1: Stan Wright

2: John Fogarty

3: Mike Ross

4: Trevor Hogan

5: Malcolm O’Kelly

6: Stephen Keogh CAPTAIN

7: Shane Jennings

8: Kevin McLaughlin

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Jason Harris-Wright

17: Ronan McCormack

18: Leo Cullen

19: Eoin Sheriff

20: Paul Ryan

21: Chris Keane

22: Dave Moore

23: Shane Horgan

24: Billy Ngawini.