Newland set for Leinster debut against Dragons

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has named his side that will face the Dragons in Friday night’s Magners League clash at the RDS. (Kick-off 7.05pm)

New signing Clint Newland will make his debut for the province and the New Zealand Maori prop will line up in a front row which includes Heinke van der Merwe and Bank of Ireland Leinster Player of the Month Richardt Strauss.

Isaac Boss partners Shaun Berne at half-back, with Eoin O’Malley continuing his centre partnership with Fergus McFadden.

Isa Nacewa is named in the back three alongside Shane Horgan and David Kearney.

Ed O’Donoghue takes his place amongst the replacements after missing the last five competitive games through injury. Leo Cullen captains the side alongside former Munster lock Trevor Hogan in the second row.

Rhys Ruddock, who won his first Irish cap in the summer against Australia, is named at blindside flanker.

Leinster (v Dragons): Isa Nacewa; Shane Horgan, Eoin O'Malley, Fergus McFadden, David Kearney; Shaun Berne, Isaac Boss; Heinke van der Merwe, Richardt Strauss, Clint Newland, Leo Cullen (C), Trevor Hogan; Rhys Ruddock, Shane Jennings, Stephen Keogh

Subs: Jason Harris-Wright, Jack McGrath, Mike Ross, Ed O'Donoghue, Dominic Ryan, Paul O’Donohoe, Ian Madigan, Andrew Conway