Madigan retains central role for Leinster

Ian Madigan has been picked at inside centre again for Leinster’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with the Ospreys in the RDS tomorrow night (7.45pm).

The Blackrock College clubman impressing in the number 12 jersey against Biarritz last weekend.

Andrew Conway comes into the outside backs meaning that Fergus McFadden will partner Madigan in midfield.

Isaac Boss starts alongside Jonathan Sexton in a side which sees several changes to the line-up which started last weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final win.

Lions pick Brian O’Driscoll is given a ‘breather’ being named on the bench after his exertions in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Jamie Heaslip, Kevin McLaughlin and Mike Ross are rested after picking up knocks last weekend.

Gordon D’Arcy has made good progress after his calf strain and should come back into calculations for next weekend’s semi-final.

Fresh from his British and Irish Lions selection, Sean O’Brien has recovered from injury and the Tullow man starts at number eight in a back-row which includes Shane Jennings and Rhys Ruddock.

Jack McGrath will make his 35th senior appearance and he is joined in the front row by Ireland hooker Sean Cronin and Jamie Hagan.

Leinster (v. Ospreys): R Kearney; A Conway, F McFadden, I Madigan; J Sexton, I Boss; J McGrath, S Cronin, J Hagan; L Cullen (capt), Q Roux; R Ruddock, S Jennings, S O’Brien.

Replacements: R Strauss, C Healy, M Bent, D Toner, D Ryan, J Cooney, A Goodman, B O’Driscoll.