Cullen returns big guns to Leinster side for Croke Park date with Munster

RG Snyman will make his old side at Croke Park. Pic: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Leo Cullen has included RG Snyman, as well as six returning British and Irish Lions, in his Leinster matchday squad for the derby clash with Munster in Round 4 of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday at Croke Park (kick-off, 5.15pm)

There are seven changes to the starting XV from last Saturday's 31-5 win over the Sharks at the Aviva Stadium, with Cullen also confirming that Harry Byrne is unavailable for selection with a minor back injury.

Four Lions will make their first appearances of the season from the start with another two set to do so off the bench, while the aforementioned Snyman has been named in the Leinster team for the first time since helping South Africa defend their Rugby Championship crown.

Jack Conan captains the side as he makes his first appearance of the season after starting all three Tests on the Lions' tour of Australia over the summer, with Alex Soroka and Josh van der Flier keeping their places from last week.

James Ryan is another of the returning Lions set for his first appearance of the campaign, partnering Snyman in the second row behind an unchanged front row of Paddy McCarthy, Rónan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong.

Jamison Gibson-Park, another three-Test Lion, makes his season bow at scrum-half with Sam Prendergast his partner at out-half. 

Robbie Henshaw shifts back across to inside centre with Garry Ringrose joining him on the outside for the first time in 2025/26.

Tommy O'Brien comes back into the team with James Lowe continuing on the left wing and Jamie Osborne named at full-back for the second week in a row.

Lions Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter are set for their first action of the campaign as they join Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan and Scott Penny in a 6-2 split among the replacements, while Fintan Gunne and Ciarán Frawley offer the cover for the backs.

Leinster: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Paddy McCarthy, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; RG Snyman, James Ryan; Alex Soroka, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Ciarán Frawley.