Dan Leavy  set to return from 19 month injury lay-off

Ireland back-rower Dan Leavy could be set to return from 19 months on the sidelines on Friday night after being named in Leinster’s matchday squad for the Guinness PRO14 visit of Zebre to the RDS.

Head coach Leo Cullen has handed senior debuts to first-year professional Dan Sheehan at hooker following his recovery from a cheekbone injury and academy centre Liam Turner while there could further bows off the bench for former Munster tighthead Ciaran Parker, signed as sort-term cover from Jersey Reds, and 2019 Ireland Under-20 Grand Slam-winning captain David Hawkshaw, who will cover the outside backs.