Leinster preparing for a Test match arm-wrestle in the Tigers' den

As Leicester plug five key internationals back into the circuit board, Leo Cullen's decision to lean on Harry Byrne at No.10 tells us plenty

FEEL THE BYRNE: Leinster’s Harry Byrne in action with the ball during the Investec Champions Cup match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Saturday December 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Some of Leicester’s big Test players have been signposting this Investec Champions Cup pool game as a Test match in all but name, so it’s encouraging to see the Tigers plug five key internationals back into the circuit board.

The England trio of Freddie Steward, Joe Heyes and Jamie Blamire all return after being rested for the opening loss away to La Rochelle last weekend. So does the Welsh pair of Tommy Reffell and Nicky Smith.