Ryan Named In Leinster Team

Brian O’Driscoll continues his centre partnership with Gordon D’Arcy in an unchanged Leinster back-line which sees Eoin Reddan link up once again with Australian Shaun Berne at half-back.

In the pack, Dominic Ryan is the only change and the Ireland Under-20 flanker will make his third Leinster appearance in the back row alongside Kevin McLaughlin and Jamie Heaslip.

Leo Cullen captains the side and the fit-again Sean O’Brien has been named on an extended replacements bench, alongside the likes of Malcolm O’Kelly and Girvan Dempsey, which will be reduced closer to kick-off.

Bernard Jackman was not considered for selection due to a knee injury and the Ireland hooker is rated extremely doubtful for Leinster’s Magners League run-in.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s visit of Edinburgh, Leinster consultant coach Alan Gaffney said that the squad are determined to secure a home Magners League semi final.

“There’s still a bit to play for even though there was disappointment last weekend and we know that we’ve got to finish the season strongly and there’s a real determination to do so,” he explained.

“We have had a good season so far in both competitions and to not go on now would be a disappointment.

“We know that we’ve got to keep on improving and that starts this Sunday against a very good Edinburgh side.

“Shane (Jennings) rolled his ankle at the weekend and we’re hopeful that he will progress but otherwise we’re not travelling too badly, even though our pride was dented (in Toulouse).

“To lose someone like Jenno in any game mounts to a significant loss because he’s an integral part of what we’re trying to do.”

Commenting on Girvan Dempsey, who is set to retire at the end of the season, Gaffney added: “Girvan is extremely good to coach and has been a fantastic servant for Leinster and Irish rugby.

“He’s someone you can place your trust on 100% and I remember we first met in 2000 during my first spell with Leinster.

“In the early days we spoke about (the idea of) ‘never die wondering’ and he has gone on to become one of the best full-backs around and one of the most intelligent rugby brains that I’ve ever encountered. He’s a superb athlete and just an all-round great guy.”

Over 13,500 tickets have been sold for Sunday’s game and tickets are on sale here and from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Happy Heart Weekend is coming up on May 13 and Leinster Rugby are lending their support by organising a mobile phone collection at the Leinster v Edinburgh match in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation.

They needs your old mobile phones to raise vital money to support people affected by heart disease and stroke.

LEINSTER (v Edinburgh): Rob Kearney; Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Isa Nacewa; Shaun Berne, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, John Fogarty, Stan Wright, Leo Cullen (capt), Nathan Hines, Kevin McLaughlin, Dominic Ryan, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements (from): Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, CJ van der Linde, Malcolm O’Kelly, Sean O’Brien, Stephen Keogh, Paul O’Donohoe, Fergus McFadden, Girvan Dempsey.