Ruddock to captain Leinster for first time

Ireland international Rhys Ruddock leads Leinster for the first time against Aironi in tomorrow night's Magners League tie at the RDS (K.O. 7.05pm).

Ruddock dons the armband in a back-row which also includes Dominic Ryan and Stephen Keogh.

Ian Madigan makes his 11th appearance of the season and partners Paul O'Donohoe at half back with Eoin O'Malley, fresh from his Ireland Wolfhounds debut, lining up alongside debutant Brendan Macken at centre.

In the pack, Heinke van der Merwe and Richardt Strauss are named in the front row, with Kevin McLaughlin lining up at second row alongside fellow Ireland international Devin Toner.

LEINSTER:

15: Isa Nacewa

14: Andrew Conway

13: Brendan Macken

12: Eoin O'Malley

11: David Kearney

10: Ian Madigan

9: Paul O'Donohoe

1: Heinke van der Merwe

2: Richardt Strauss

3: Clint Newland

4: Kevin McLaughlin

5: Devin Toner

6: Rhys Ruddock CAPTAIN

7: Dominic Ryan

8: Stephen Keogh

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Jason Harris-Wright

17: Jack McGrath

18: Simon Shawe

19: Ed O'Donoghue

20: Paul Ryan/Shane Jennings

21: Isaac Boss

22: Ian McKinley

23: Niall Morris