Ryan to skipper Leinster ‘A’

Twenty-one-year-old flanker Dominic Ryan will captain Leinster ‘A’ in their interprovincial friendly against Ulster ‘A’ in Donnybrook on Friday (6pm).

Ryan is joined in the back row by 22-year-old Ciaran Ruddock and New Zealand born Leo Auva’a while South African Steven Sykes will be expected to provide some leadership in the second row.

Noel Reid, who made his senior debut for Leinster in their RaboDirect PRO 12 clash against Aironi, is favoured at outhalf alongside John Cooney at scrum half.

Leinster ‘A’ Coach Colin McEntee is expecting a tough test of his squad’s credentials.

“Games against Ulster are always tight affairs and Friday night’s friendly will give both managements the opportunity to assess the bulk of their squads ahead of the start of the B&I (British & Irish) Cup next month.

“We are pleased to call on some senior players like Steven Sykes who is in need of game time after his recent injury, while I know how excited Dominic (Ryan) is to lead the team for the first time.

“Because of the hiatus in the calendar over the last few weeks it was important that we arranged a competitive game for the squad and it will also provide a number of Academy and Club players the opportunity to impress.”

Leinster ‘A’: A Conway; D Hudson, B Macken, C O’Shea, A Boyle; N Reid, J Cooney; J McGrath, A Dundon, J Hagan; S Sykes, M Flanagan; C Ruddock, D Ryan (c), L Auva’a. Replacements: J Harris-Wright, J O’Connell, M Moore, N Keogh, J Murphy, C Willis,C Marsh, D Riordan.