Hugo Keenan makes Leinster return as Leo Cullen names side for Glasgow clash  

LOOK WHO'S BACK: Leinster full-back Hugo Keenan. Pic: Henry Simpson/Inpho

Leo Cullen has welcomed Hugo Keenan back into his starting 15 to take on Glasgow Warriors in Round 13 of the URC at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday (kick-off, 5.30pm).

Keenan returns to the team to make his first appearance of the season after scoring the decisive try in the British and Irish Lions' series win over Australia in the summer, while there are milestones for Alex Usanov making his first Leinster start and Scott Penny due to win his 100th Leinster cap off the bench.

Keenan is joined in the back three by Joshua Kenny and Jimmy O'Brien, while Robbie Henshaw and Rieko Ioane are paired together in the centre.

Luke McGrath captains the side from scrum-half, with Sam Prendergast handed the ten shirt for Saturday's game.

Usanov and Thomas Clarkson will be scrumming down either side of Rónan Kelleher in the front row, with RG Snyman and Brian Deeny in the second row.

James Culhane will start at number eight, with Jack Conan and Will Connors at flanker for the trip to the URC league leaders.

John McKee, Jerry Cahir and Rabah Slimani offer the front row cover for tomorrow's game, with Conor O'Tighearnaigh, Max Deegan and soon-to-be-centurion Scott Penny providing the additional reinforcements to the pack and Fintan Gunne and Ciarán Frawley completing the matchday 23.

"Our last game is the one that's probably most at the forefront of my mind, unfortunately, as it was an 8-7 loss [to Cardiff]," Cullen said. "We're definitely keen to get out and see our lads play with a bit more positive intent against Glasgow than we did in our last game. 

"That's the way we want to play, that's the way we've always wanted to play. Glasgow play a very similar style of rugby to what Scotland produce."

Glasgow boss Franco Smith has named 11 players who were on Six Nations duty with Scotland in his matchday squad, while Johnny Ventisei is set for his professional debut at outside centre.

"We are pleased to be back in action this weekend, and we are looking forward to running out at what promises to be a sold-out Scotstoun," Smith said. "We haven’t welcomed Leinster to our home since October 2023 and it promises to be an exciting game for everyone.

“It goes without saying that Leinster has been amongst the standard setters in European rugby for many years, with strength in depth across every position and a squad filled with international talent that can cause problems for any team - we know we must be at our best to meet their level tomorrow evening."

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay; Kyle Rowe, Johnny Ventisei, Stafford McDowall, Ollie Smith; Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Patrick Schickerling, Gregor Hiddleston, Fin Richardson; Alex Craig, Alex Samuel; Euan Ferrie, Sione Vailanu, Macenzzie Duncan.

Replacements: Seb Stephen, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Jare Oguntibeju, Ally Miller, Angus Fraser, Jack Oliver, Adam Hastings.

Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Joshua Kenny, Rieko Ioane, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O'Brien; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Alex Usanov, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson; RG Snyman, Brian Deeny; Jack Conan, Will Connors, James Culhane.

Replacements: John McKee, Jerry Cahir, Rabah Slimani, Conor O'Tighearnaigh, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Ciarán Frawley.

Referee: Adam Jones.