Cian Healy set for record-breaking appearance v Dragons

Cian Healy will become Leinster's record appearance holder this week, with the loosehead set to play his 281st game for the province in Friday night’s meeting with the Dragons at the Aviva Stadium.

The 36-year-old will move past Devin Toner in the province’s all-time appearance list, starting in a team that shows seven changes from last week’s BKT United Rugby Championship win away to Edinburgh.

Healy is the only change to the front row from last week’s win at The Hive, replacing Michael Milne who drops to the bench. He packs down alongside Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson.

James Ryan continues in the second row, with Brian Deeny joining him in the starting side, while Will Connors comes into the back row for Scott Penny, where he partners Max Deegan and captain Jack Conan.

There is a new half-back combination with Luke McGrath replacing Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half, while Ross Byrne gets the start at out-half with Sam Prendergast away on Emerging Ireland duty.

Charlie Tector continues at 12 despite his call-up for Emerging Ireland this week, and the 22-year-old has Liam Turner for company in midfield, as Garry Ringrose drops out.

Jamie Osborne retains his place at full-back, with Jordan Larmour on the right wing, while Jimmy O’Brien comes in on the left side of the pitch, replacing injured Tommy O’Brien.

Leo Cullen has also been able to give Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier their first appearances of the season, with the Ireland international pair named on the bench.

Leinster: Jamie Osborne; Jordan Larmour, Liam Turner, Charlie Tector, Jimmy O’Brien; Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath; Cian Healy, Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson; Brian Deeny, James Ryan; Max Deegan, Will Connors, Jack Conan (capt).

Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael