Prop Byrne To Captain Leinster In Perpignan Pre-Season Fixture
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named his first team of the new season ahead of Friday night’s pre-season friendly away to French side Perpignan (kick-off 8pm local time).
Carlow prop Ed Byrne will captain a Leinster senior team for the first time in his career. The 23-year-old last captained Leinster at Under-20 level and while his progress has been hampered with serious knee injuries over the last few years, he made a successful return towards the end of last season – even scoring his first try in Leinster colours in the GUINNESS PRO12.
He will be joined in the front row by his twin brother Bryan at hooker and by Academy player Jeremy Loughman at tighthead prop. Mick Kearney and Ian Nagle will pack down behind the young front row, with Josh Murphy, Will Connors and Max Deegan joining forces in the back row.
In the back-line, former St. Andrew’s College player Jordan Larmour starts at full back with Adam Byrne and Ian Fitzpatrick on the right and left wings respectively.
Tom Daly and Jimmy O’Brien will play in the centre together, while St. Michael’s College duo Nick McCarthy and Cathal Marsh fill the half-back berths. An extended bench has been named by Leo Cullen with 25 players, in total, travelling to France.
LEINSTER (v Perpignan): Jordan Larmour; Adam Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien, Tom Daly, Ian Fitzpatrick; Cathal Marsh, Nick McCarthy; Ed Byrne (capt), Bryan Byrne, Jeremy Loughman, Mick Kearney, Ian Nagle, Josh Murphy, Will Connors, Max Deegan.
Replacements: Sean McNulty, Vakh Abdaladze, Oisin Heffernan, Oisin Dowling, Peadar Timmins, Charlie Rock, Noel Reid, Hugo Keenan, Barry Daly, Peter Dooley.