Cullen to captain Leinster against Scarlets

Captain Leo Cullen will lead Leinster into their opening match of the Magners League against Scarlets in Parc y Scarlets on Saturday (KO: 6.30pm).

Coach Michael Cheika has named a 24-man squad which includes new signing Shaun Berne and scrum-half Paul O'Donohoe, who gradiuated to a full contract from the Academy this season.

Interestingly, there is also room for Academy prospects Brendan Macken, just out of school, and Niall Morris who impressed during pre-season.

Meanwhile, time is running out to sign up and become a Leinster season ticket holder for 2009/10.

Record sales over the last few months have passed the 10,600 mark and the deadline is next Monday, September 7.

LEINSTER SQUAD (v Scarlets)

FORWARDS: Leo Cullen, John Fogarty, Cian Healy, Bernard Jackman, Shane Jennings, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O'Brien, Malcolm O'Kelly, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Stan Wright

BACKS: Shaun Berne, Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, Simon Keogh, Brendan Macken, Fergus McFadden, Niall Morris, Isa Nacewa, Paul O'Donohoe, Jonathan Sexton