There are a limited number of tickets left for the game against France tomorrow and these can be purchased from Ticketmaster booths located at the junction of Northumberland Road and Lansdowne Road from 1.00pm on the day of the game..

Ireland Team & Replacements (v France, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday, August 20^th, kick-off 5.00pm local):

15 – Felix Jones (Shannon/ Munster)
14 – Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
10 – Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)

9 – Tomas O’Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
1 – Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 – Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 – Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 – Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 – Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
7 – Shane Jennings (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
8 – Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 – Jerry Flannery (Shannon/ Munster)
17 – Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 – Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht)
19 – Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
20 – Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 – Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/ Leinster) 

In the Guinness Summer Series international against France, the test match team will take the field with 10 changes to the run on side from the team that played the previous week.

There are six changes in the backline, one of which is positional. Felix Jones will make his first start for Ireland at full back and Keith Earls moves from the centre to left wing.  With Earls moving into the back three, Gordon D’Arcy comes into the midfield alongside Captain Brian O’Driscoll, who will both be making their debuts for the season.  Jonathan Sexton will start at No.10 and he will be partnered at half back by Tomas O’Leary.

Paul O’Connell and Jamie Heaslip come into the starting team after being second half replacements last weekend and Sean O’Brien moves to No.6.

Ireland Team & Replacements (v France, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday, August 20^th, kick-off 5.00pm local):

15 – Felix Jones (Shannon/ Munster)
14 – Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Captain
12 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster)
10 – Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)

9 – Tomas O’Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
1 – Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 – Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
3 – Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
4 – Donncha O’Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 – Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
7 – David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 – Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 – Jerry Flannery (Shannon/ Munster)
17 – Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
18 – Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht)
19 – Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
20 – Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 – Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/ Leinster)

In the Connacht game, several players who were involved in the test match against France last week get another chance to play in Donnybrook tomorrow evening.

Leo Cullen will captain the side and will be partnered in the second row by Mick O’Driscoll, with Tony Buckley, Sean Cronin, John Hayes completing the front five.  Shane Jennings will have his first outing of August after returning from a broken arm alongside Kevin McLaughlin and Denis Leamy in the back row. 

Isaac Boss and Paddy Wallace will make up the half back partnership with Fergus McFadden, Johne Murphy and Geordan Murphy in the back three.

Ireland Select XV Team & Replacements (v Connacht, Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin, Thursday, August 18th, kick-off 6.30pm local):

15 – Geordan Murphy (Leicester)
14 – Johne Murphy (Munster)
13 – Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
12 – Ian Keatley (Munster)
11 – Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
10 – Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
9 – Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster)
1 – Tony Buckley (Sale)
2 – Sean Cronin (Leinster)
3 – John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 – Mick O’Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
5 – Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
6 – Kevin McLaughlin (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
7 – Shane Jennings (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
8 – Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 – Damien Varley (Garryowen/Munster)
17 – Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
18 – Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
19 – Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)
20 – Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
21 – Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)
22 – Ian Whitten (Ballymena/Ulster)

The Heineken Cup final was last held in Dublin in 2003 when Toulouse beat Perpignan 22-17 at Lansdowne Road although since then the stadium, both old and new, has staged an array of classic European contests.

Only last season on their march to a second Heineken Cup final triumph, Leinster defeated both Leicester Tigers and Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium as attendances at the home of Irish rugby surpassed the 600,000 mark for European matches.

“The Aviva Stadium is a world-class venue which has quickly established a close affinity with the Heineken Cup having staged three matches last season, including two magnificent knock-out games,” said ERC Chief Executive Derek McGrath.

“The Heineken Cup final has become one of the most prestigious sporting fixtures in the European calendar and it now requires long-range planning in order to deliver the spectacle we enjoyed in Cardiff just over a fortnight ago.

“Last year we confirmed the final venues for the following two seasons, and today’s announcement allows ERC to prepare the way for Dublin in 2013 while we continue to work with Twickenham Stadium on next season’s final in May 2012.

“Ireland has provided four Heineken Cup champions in the past six seasons and Irish rugby is steeped in the history of the tournament since it began 16 years ago. The decision of the ERC Board to bring the Heineken Cup final back to Dublin for the first time since 2003 is further recognition of the passion that Irish fans have for the tournament and we are confident that our showpiece game in 2013 will be another landmark occasion in the history of Irish rugby and sport.”

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: “The Aviva Stadium has hosted some memorable international and Heineken Cup games in its short lifetime and is now firmly embedded as the home of Irish rugby.  We felt it was important for the stadium that it would get this opportunity to host the pinnacle game of European club rugby and this is not only good news for the game in this country, but also for Dublin.

“It is estimated that rugby contributes over €200m to the Irish economy, and the recent Ireland-England Six Nations game generated just over €51m to the Dublin economy. While the financial benefits are particularly strong, the prestige and exposure for the game in this country are just as powerful, and in hosting the first Heineken Cup final since 2003, I am sure that Irish rugby and the city of Dublin will deliver yet another memorable occasion.”

Gerry Breen, Lord Mayor of Dublin said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the finalists and fans to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in May 2013 for the Heineken Cup final. It will give us a great opportunity to showcase the many delights that are Dublin. I would like to congratulate the IRFU on being awarded the honour of hosting the final in the city of Dublin.”

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD said: “Dublin is ideally suited to hosting such a prestigious event. It is a city known for its warm welcome to visitors and will be a familiar destination for rugby supporters. I have no doubt that our proud sporting heritage, our knowledgeable and enthusiastic fan base, and our proven ability to successfully host major sporting events will guarantee a Heineken Cup final to remember.

“Rugby is an increasingly popular sport in Ireland. Irish rugby has enjoyed some great successes in recent times. Leinster’s sensational comeback victory over the Northampton Saints in last month’s Heineken Cup final at the Millennium Stadium was the fourth time in the last six years that an Irish team has triumphed in Europe’s top club competition. I believe that being afforded the privilege of hosting a Heineken Cup final in 2013 will be a fitting tribute to all those who have worked so diligently and so imaginatively to bring Irish rugby to its current level of success.”

NOTES

Leinster made their home debut in the Heineken Cup at Lansdowne Road on 6 December, 1995 when they beat Pontypridd 23-22 – the first of 22 top-flight European matches played at the ground.

Since then, the Dublin venue has hosted some of the most famous Heineken Cup matches of all-time:
1999 – Ulster became the first Irish province to win the Heineken Cup by beating Colomiers in the final.
2004 – London Wasps defeated Munster 37-33 in a semi-final that still ranks with many as the greatest Heineken Cup game of all-time.
2006 – Munster stormed to a 30-6 semi-final victory over arch-rivals Leinster on their way to a first Heineken Cup title.
2010/11 – Leinster defeated the reigning French champions, ASM Clermont Auvergne, English champions, Leicester Tigers, and Heineken Cup champions, Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium, on the road to a second Heineken Cup triumph

HEINEKEN CUP MATCHES AT LANSDOWNE ROAD / AVIVA STADIUM

1995-2011   22 MATCHES – Total attendance: 635,703
Date                                       Fixture                                               Attendance
30/04/2011    Leinster          32-23  Toulouse                               50,073            S-F
09/04/2011    Leinster          17-10  Leicester Tigers                   49,762           Q-F
18/12/2010    Leinster          24-8    ASM Clermont Auvergne     44,873
09/12/2006    Leinster          26-10  Agen                                       18,652
21/10/2006    Leinster          37-20  Gloucester                             22,530
23/04/2006    Leinster          6-30    Munster                                  47,800            S-F
01/04/2006    Munster         19-10  Perpignan                               48,500            Q-F
02/04/2005    Leinster          13-29  Leicester Tigers                   48,500
15/01/2005    Leinster          57-17  Benetton Treviso                  12,750
04/12/2004    Leinster          92-17  Bourgoin                                 9,100
30/10/2004    Leinster          30-11  Bath Rugby                           13,850
25/04/2004    Munster         32-37  London Wasps                      49,000            S-F
23/01/2004    Leinster          20-17  Cardiff Blues                         23,463
09/01/2004    Leinster          22-23  Sale Sharks                          14,200
06/12/2003    Leinster          32-6    Biarritz Olympique                  7,200
24/05/2003    Toulouse       22-17  Perpignan                              28,600            FINAL
27/04/2003    Leinster          14-21  Perpignan                             37,000            S-F
12/04/2003    Leinster          18-13  Biarritz Olympique               46,000            Q-F
30/01/1999    Ulster              21-6    Colomiers                              49,000            FINAL
16/10/1996    Leinster          10-27  Leicester                                  3,500
30/12/1995    Leinster          14-23  Cardiff                                       7,350            S-F
06/12/1995    Leinster          23-22  Pontypridd                               4,000

HEINEKEN CUP FINALS
2012 – Twickenham Stadium, 19/20 May
2013– Aviva Stadium, 18/19 May

There were pre-Play-Off boosts for all four Magners League semi-final teams as they picked up trophies at the annual Magners League Awards dinner in Dublin.

Table-topping Munster led the way as they picked up three major awards on the night with head coach Tony McGahan picking up the Coach of the Season title from one of his predecessors, Irish coach Declan Kidney.

Ronan O’Gara won the ‘Gilbert Golden Boot’ after emerging as the league’s most consistent marksman during the regular season, while Munster stalwart Alan Quinlan was named as the recipient of Andy Irvine’s ‘Chairman’s Award’ following his remarkable 15 year career.

Munster host reigning champions the Ospreys at Thomond Park on Saturday, 14 May in the second Play-Off semi-final and the Welsh region also left Dublin with a trophy after centre Ashley Beck was voted as the winner of the ‘Try of the Season’ for his effort against Glasgow Warriors at the Liberty Stadium.

Leinster, who welcome Ulster to the RDS on Friday, 13 May for the first semi-final, left the Awards ceremony at the Carton House Hotel with the ‘Specsavers Fairplay Award’. That title, which comes with a £10,000 prize to put towards youth development, is given to the team that gathers the fewest yellow and red cards over the 22 rounds of the regular season.

But there was also a major fillip for Ulster ahead of one of their biggest assignments of the season as South African recruit Ruan Pienaar was handed the top prize on the night after being voted ‘Players’ Player of the Season’.

“It has been an unbelievable first season for me at Ulster. I came to a place that I didn’t know but, thanks to the team, I settled in very quickly and enjoyed myself,” said Pienaar.

“It is going to be a massive challenge for everyone this weekend, but we will go to Dublin and enjoy the whole experience.”

The final award went to the rising forward star of Welsh rugby, Toby Faletau. The Newport Gwent Dragons back row man was voted as the ‘Young Player of the Season’ by a panel of 19 journalists from around the four nations involved in the Magners League.

PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE SEASON – Ruan Pienaar (Ulster)

COACH OF THE SEASON – Tony McGahan (Munster)

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON – Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD – Alan Quinlan (Munster)

TRY OF THE SEASON – Ashley Beck (Ospreys)

GILBERT GOLDEN BOOT – Ronan O’Gara (Munster)

SPECSAVERS FAIRPLAY AWARD – Leinster

Care came off the bench in the 45^th minute in Dublin, but was unable to halt the Irish charge as the hosts ran away to a 24-8 win, ending England’s Grand Slam aspirations in the process.

“If we had won the Slam then some people may have put our name on World Cup trophy without us even playing a game,” Care said. “So looking back, I think it’s a good thing that we have felt that disappointment and we should be able to learn a lot from that.”

The 24-year-old Quins No. 9 comes head to head with international teammate Ben Youngs this weekend at the Twickenham Stoop for the visit of Aviva Premiership champions, Leicester Tigers. Care says that the competition between the pair spurs him on to better himself and he can’t wait for the game on Saturday.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Ben’s the guy who has the shirt at the moment and you always want to play against your rival. If I can play my part and help us win the game then I’ll be very happy.”

Also on this week’s Podcast:

• Ready to rumble – IRB head of communications Dominic Rumbles talks us through the decision to move RWC games from Christchurch to Dunedin in New Zealand
• Round 6 for 7s – England Sevens Head Coach Ben Ryan gives us the insight from within the Sevens camp as they prepare for the Adelaide leg of the HSBC World Series
• Climbing the Hill – Worcester Warriors Head Coach Richard Hill says that it’s important to peak at the right time in the Championship play-offs

But the Bath Rugby centre, who takes over from the injured Mike Tindall for the final game in this season’s championship, told the RFU Podcast that he’s ready for his tough assignment against Ireland in Dublin.

"It’s a big game to come into. It’s the final hurdle and the biggest one and to have an opportunity to play in it is a big ask!" said Banahan. "Ireland are a pretty settled side and it’ll be fantastic to play against Brian O’Driscoll."

Also on this week’s Podcast:

Hape days: How Shontayne Hape has been preparing his Bath teammate Banahan for an ‘awesome clash’

Half century: Mark Cueto reflects on winning his 50th cap at the Aviva Stadium

Eight years on: 2003 Grand Slam winner Graham Rowntree highlights dealing with the emotional challenge of a big game

Proper job: Jason Leonard – England’s other 2003 prop in Dublin – urges clubs to sign to the RBS RugbyForce initiative

Slam Two: Captain Katy McLean on the England Women’s side’s bid to complete their own clean sweep on Friday night

Slam Three: England’s Under 20s are also unbeaten. Sale Sharks prop Henry Thomas previews their game in Athlone

The 27-year-old Leicester school-teacher has been the Lions captain for two years and also has previous England Counties experience which has been an important element in his selection says Counties Manager Michael Old.

“We wanted someone who had been involved with the Counties XV and was familiar with the ethos of the team and how we do things,” said Old: “Gareth has been a good tourist on previous trips to Korea & Japan and Canada and he also has the valuable experience of leading his club side for a couple of years.

“He follows in the footsteps of an outstanding leader from the Midlands in Matt Long, who did a terrific job in Canada last year, and I’m sure he’ll maintain those high standards.”

Collins’ initial reaction to the invitation to lead the team was one of complete shock, although there was no hesitation in accepting the job.

“It only took a milli-second to say ‘Yes’ – it’s a big honour and not something you turn down,” he said: “With more time to think about it, it’s a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m also very excited about it and looking forward to doing the job.

“My only previous experience of doing the captaincy job came when I was an 18-year-old at Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby and over the last two seasons leading Leicester Lions.

“I’ll try to approach things in the same way that I’ve done the job with the Lions and I hope that will stand me in good stead. I think that my experience with England Counties more than anything will play a part, especially in trying to help what is a very young set of backs.

“The challenge is all the more interesting because Tom Jarvis is the only person in the squad that I’ve played with before. That makes it a bit more difficult, but it’s up to me to find out what these guys are like early on and try to do what’s right for the team.

“Part of my surprise came from the fact that a lot of the players come from the top end of National One, which is a division above where I play, but as always, I’ve never had any expectation of having a place in a Counties team and it’s always a thrill to be in that company.

And what can the Counties players expect in the confines of the dressing room?

“I wouldn’t describe myself as a screamer, although I have my moments. I’m more about seeing from the back how things are shaping and suggesting where I think we should go. We have a few old heads up front who can motivate the pack without me having to do it, but if needs be, I’ll bang on the walls.”

With tours to Korea & Japan and Canada under his belt, Collins will not lack ammunition when it comes to motivating his men.

“The last game in Canada for me was the pinnacle of my involvement with the Counties and that has helped to bring me to this position. Beating Ireland in Dublin is our only objective at this point, but Counties tours are unbelievable experiences and I want to get across to the players that if there is something in the pipeline this summer, we all have an opportunity to put ourselves forward by playing well and winning.”

England Counties (v Ulster Bank Club International Team, Old Belvedere RUFC, Dublin, Friday, March 18, 2011): Forwards – Dave Allen* (Blackheath), Sam Beaumont (Fylde), Josh Brown (London Scottish), Alex Clarke (London Scottish), Matt Hall* (Blaydon), James Kellard* (Barking), Aaron Liffchak (Barking), Dan Lloyd-Jones (Barking), Alex MacKenzie (Barking), James Ngan (Barking), Steve Pape* (Rosslyn Park), Tom Standfield (London Scottish).
Backs – Gareth Collins* (Leicester Lions), Peter Hodgkinson (EalingTrailfinders), Tom Jarvis* (Stourbridge), Stefan Liebenberg (Old Albanians), Dan Mugford (Cambridge), Ben Spencer (Cambridge), James Stephenson (Blackheath), David Vincent (Barking), Mike Waywell (Fylde), Tom Wheatcroft (Cambridge)
* denotes previous England Counties cap

Mugford lives with his team-mates Ben Spencer and Tom Wheatcroft and his inclusion in the squad takes the Cambridge contingent to four with lock Robbie Hurrell also in the team.

Mugford gets his chance following the withdrawal because of injury of London Scottish No 10 James Brown and given a run of bad luck earlier in the season, getting a call from Counties Manager Michael Old was a massive boost for the 19-year-old.

“In November I ruptured a ligament in my ankle which kept me out of the game for a month or so and while I was recovering, I was doing some DIY on a glass-panelled door and managed to cut through a tendon in my thumb.” he said: “That kept me out for another spell.

“At that stage I was simply looking to get back playing after the injury and push on to the end of the season. I certainly wasn’t expecting anything like this and it’s absolutely brilliant that the chance has come up. It’s been a real confidence booster and some light at the end of the tunnel.

“And with three of us from the same house all being involved, there’s a real buzz going around the place.”

A product of Exeter Chiefs Ivybridge Community College, Mugford played alongside Spencer before the pair decided to accept an offer to join Cambridge after coach Bob Crooks went to watch them on the advice of a friend.

“We both believed that getting game time at National League level was the key for us and we moved up to Cambridge,” said Mugford: “They’ve been really good and got behind us all the way.”

“James Brown has been a first-class member of the England Counties set-up, both on and off the field, and we’re sorry to see him having to withdraw,” says Counties Manager Michael Old: “But his bad luck opens a door for Dan and I’m sure he’ll grasp the opportunity with both hands.

“He’s next to the youngest in the squad – his housemate Ben Spencer is nine months younger at 18 – and I’m sure being with the England Counties will be a great experience for them both.

“It’s always very exciting to see young players coming into the team and testing themselves in a different, challenging environment. On our last tour to Canada we had Tom Kessell from Plymouth – a Devon team-mate of Dan’s – in the squad and he was a revelation. Hopefully these two teenagers can enjoy the same experience and really blossom in Dublin.”

England Counties (v Ulster Bank Club International Team, Old Belvedere RUFC, Dublin, Friday, March 18, 2011): Forwards – Dave Allen* (Blackheath), Sam Beaumont (Fylde), Alex Clarke (London Scottish), Matt Hall* (Blaydon), Robbie Hurrell (Cambridge), James Kellard* (Barking), Aaron Liffchak (Barking), Dan Lloyd-Jones (Barking), Alex MacKenzie (Barking), James Ngan (Barking), Steve Pape* (Rosslyn Park), Tom Standfield (London Scottish).
Backs – Gareth Collins* (Leicester Lions), Peter Hodgkinson (EalingTrailfinders), David Howells* (London Scottish), Tom Jarvis* (Stourbridge), Stefan Liebenberg (Old Albanians), Dan Mugford (Cambridge), Ben Spencer (Cambridge), James Stephenson (Blackheath), Mike Waywell (Fylde), Tom Wheatcroft (Cambridge)
(* denotes previous England Counties cap)

The collection will take place before the match on all the main routes into the stadium and in the concourse areas.

Leinster Chief Executive Mick Dawson explained that while the four charities provide very different services they are each feeling the pinch of the economic downturn.

Mick Dawson said: “We are hoping that the collection will give their funds a much-needed boost particularly at this time of year. If everyone attending the match on Saturday were to give at least One Euro (€1) we would raise over €40,000.

“All money collected will be divided equally between the four charities and I would ask all supporters to dig deep and give whatever they can. Please have your money ready to support Leinster Rugby’s four Official Charities and make the collection a great success for these very worthwhile services.”

The Charities would like to thank Aviva Stadium for allowing the collection take place at the ground and to wish Leinster the very best of luck in this important game.

Action Breast Cancer: Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society, is Ireland’s leading provider of breast cancer information and support. Each year we reach over 25,000 women who are concerned about breast cancer and breast health. We strive to ensure that everyone affected by breast cancer receives the highest standards of treatment, support and care, and to improve the quality of life of people living with breast cancer.

Age Action: Age Action is a charity, which promotes positive ageing and better policies and services for older people. Working with, and on behalf of, older people we aim to make Ireland the best place in the world in which to grow older. Our mission is: "To achieve fundamental change in the lives of all older people by empowering them to live full lives as actively engaged citizens and to secure their rights to comprehensive high quality services according to their changing needs." All our activities are geared to supporting older people to speak and act for themselves in bringing about the fundamental changes they want to live full lives.
St. Michael’s House: Unable to secure schooling for her son, Patricia Farrell, the mother of a young boy with Down Syndrome placed an ad in the Irish Times in 1955: "Association for Parents of Mentally Backward Children. Lady wishing to form above would like to contact anyone interested. Box Z 5061 Children." From this grew St. Michael’s House, an organisation which set out to develop new community services and bring about a change in how people with an intellectual disability were viewed. Today we provide services for 1,585 people with an intellectual disability and their families in the Greater Dublin Area.

Welcome Home: Welcome Home is a registered charity set up in 1990 to raise funds to support the work of Fr. Peter McVerry with young homeless people in Dublin. Money raised is used to provide accommodation and services for these young homeless people.

The Dragons make several changes to the side which suffered defeat at Northampton in the LV= Cup last week, and are boosted by the return of a number of regulars as they resume Magners League action.

Wales’ Will Harries has been released from Warren Gatland’s national squad for the fixture and takes his place on the wing, with Tom Cheeseman moving to centre, where he partners the returning Ashley Smith. Pat Leach continues at fullback, a position covered earlier this season by Harries.

Jason Tovey and Wayne Evans also return to the starting line-up as James Leadbeater and Matthew Jones drop to the bench. Adam Hughes and Phil Price have both recovered from injuries and will also start at the RDS.

Nigel Hall packs down alongside Price and Willis in the front row, whilst Adam Jones is retained at blindside flanker. Gavin Thomas returns and Lewis Evans completes the back row, starting at number eight. Scott Morgan and Robert Sidoli make up the second row, with Luke Charteris on the bench.

The Men of Gwent’s last trip to Dublin ended in a hard fought 23-14 defeat, but the Dragons went on to beat the Irish province with a bonus point at Rodney Parade later in the season, running in four tries to win 30-14.

In their last home match, Leinster overcame Edinburgh by a single point, winning 19-18, and with the Dragons having beaten champions the Ospreys away in their previous Magners League game, the Men of Gwent can travel to Ireland with some confidence.

DRAGONS TEAM FOR LEINSTER

Pat Leach, Will Harries, Tom Cheeseman, Ashley Smith, Adam Hughes; Jason Tovey, Wayne Evans; Phil Price, Tom Willis (c), Nigel Hall, Scott Morgan, Robert Sidoli, Adam Jones, Gavin Thomas, Lewis Evans.

Replacements: Lloyd Burns, Dan Way, Hugh Gustafson, Luke Charteris, Hugo Ellis, Rhodri Gomer Davies, James Leadbeater, Matthew Jones.