Dave Kearney returns for Leinster against Edinburgh

Dave Kearney will make his first appearance of the season for Leinster when they take on Edinburgh Rugby at the RDS Arena on Friday evening.

Leo Cullen is able to recall Kearney on the left wing for his 170th appearance in the blue shirt.

He's joined in the back three by full-back Jamie Osborne and Tommy O'Brien.

Nick McCarthy gets his first start since returning from Munster in the summer and will partner Ross Byrne in the half-backs. Sitting outside them in midfield are Ciarán Frawley and Rory O'Loughlin.

Cullen has switched up half of his pack with four changes from those who started the loss to Cardiff last time out.

James Tracy replaces Seán Cronin in the front row with Ed Byrne and Michael Ala'alatoa retaining their spots either side of him.

Ross Molony and Josh Murphy come into the second row while Max Deegan is the sole change in the back row.

Deegan will wear the number eight shirt with Scott Penny swapping to the openside. Rhys Ruddock fills the last spot in the XV and will captain the side.

Seán Cronin, Peter Dooley, Vakh Abdaladze, Devin Toner, Martin Moloney, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne and Rob Russell make up the bench.

Leinster team: Jamie Osborne, Tommy O'Brien, Rory O'Loughlin, Ciarán Frawley, Dave Kearney, Ross Byrne, Nick McCarthy, Ed Byrne, James Tracy, Michael Ala'alatoa, Ross Molony, Josh Murphy, Rhys Ruddock (captain), Scott Penny, Max Deegan.

Replacements: Seán Cronin, Peter Dooley, Vakh Abdaladze, Devin Toner, Martin Moloney, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Rob Russell

Watch Leinster v Edinburgh live on RTE2 and RTE Player on Friday night