Leinster boosted by returning stars for Glasgow encounter

Leinster have been boosted by the return of a number of key players after the Six Nations window, allowing Joe Schmidt to name a much-changed starting XV for tomorrow’s RaboDirect PRO12 game against Glasgow Warriors.

Among those retuning to the starting XV is Isa Nacewa who this week revealed he will be retiring from rugby at the end of the current season and returning to his native New Zealand, marking the end of glittering five-year career with the province.

He lines out at full-back in a back three which also features Andrew Conway and David Kearney – who scored a brace of tries last time out against the Dragons.

With both Jonathan Sexton and Eoin Reddan on the injured list, Isaac Boss has been given the nod to partner fellow Ireland international Ian Madigan at half back, with the returning Gordon D’Arcy forming a midfield partnership with Eoin O’Malley.

Leo Cullen leads the team and partners Quinn Roux who makes his first senior appearance since the reverse fixture in November.

Shane Jennings is included in a strong home-grown back-row alongside Kevin McLaughlin and Jordi Murphy, with Heinke van der Merwe joining Ireland duo Sean Cronin and Michael Bent in the front row.

There are seven Academy graduates named on the bench.

Leinster (v. Glasgow Warriors): I Nacewa; D Kearney, E O’Malley, G D’Arcy, A Conway; I Madigan, I Boss; H van der Merwe, S Cronin, M Bent; L Cullen (capt), Q Roux; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Murphy.

Replacements: A Dundon, J McGrath, J Hagan, D Toner, D Ryan, J Cooney, B Macken, F Carr.