Ioane set for Leinster debut as Doris and McCarthy return for Champions Cup opener

New arrival Rieko Ioane is named among the replacements, with the 88-cap All Black set to make his Leinster debut.

Thu, 04 Dec, 2025 - 14:38

Head coach Leo Cullen has named his Leinster side to take on Harlequins in the Champions Cup opener at Aviva Stadium on Saturday (kick-off, 5.30pm).

New arrival Rieko Ioane is named among the replacements, with the 88-cap All Black back set to make his Leinster debut.

Caelan Doris returns to captain the side for the first time since he was injured last May, with Jack Conan joining him in the back-row for his first appearance in blue this season alongside Josh van der Flier.

Joe McCarthy also returns from injury for his first outing of the campaign, partnering RG Snyman in the second-row.

Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson have been named in the front row alongside Paddy McCarthy, who will make his Champions Cup debut on Saturday.

Sam Prendergast partners Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs, with Ciarán Frawley continuing at inside centre beside Garry Ringrose in the number 13 shirt.

Jordan Larmour and Tommy O'Brien line out on the wings, with Jimmy O'Brien named at full-back.

Ioane is joined on the bench by Harry Byrne and Luke McGrath, with Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Tadhg Furlong, Diarmuid Mangan and Max Deegan offering the reinforcements for the forwards.

Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Ciarán Frawley, Jordan Larmour, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Paddy McCarthy, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson, RG Snyman, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Tadhg Furlong, Diarmuid Mangan, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Rieko Ioane.