Competitive debut for Connacht's Kearney against Leinster

A competitive debut for Mick Kearney represents one of five changes Eric Elwood has made to the Connacht starting XV for the visit of Leinster to the Sportsground this New Year's Day (5pm).

Kearney earns his first competitive start for the Province at blindside flanker replacing Dave Gannon who came off with a knee injury on Monday. The 20-year-old academy forward, who stands at 6 foot 5 inches, is a former Mount Temple Comprehensive pupil and has represented Ireland U18, U20 & Irish Colleges. He earned his first cap for Connacht against the Ospreys this season and has appeared 5 times since then.