Leavy back for Leinster as Ruddock hits 200th cap

Dan Leavy will make his return from a wrist injury for Leinster in tomorrow night's United Rugby Championship visit of the Emirates Lions to the RDS.

The flanker has recovered earlier than expected from the surgery he underwent in January. He comes into the back row at blindside for just his fifth appearance of the season, and his first since the end of November.

Leavy is among nine changes from last week's win against the Ospreys, forming an all new back row alongside Connacht-bound Josh Murphy and Rhys Ruddock, who will make his 200th appearance for the province.

It's also a new second row partnership, with Joe McCarthy set for his second appearance for the province, 273 behind his partner Devin Toner.

Michael Ala'alatoa and James Tracy continue in the front row, with Ed Byrne joining them at loosehead.

The backline is more settled with Ross Byrne continuing at out-half, while his brother Harry links up with Jamie Osborne once again in the centre.

With Jimmy O'Brien and Jordan Lamrour away on duty for Ireland, Max O'Reilly starts at full-back, while Tommy O'Brien is on the right wing, with Dave Kearney wearing the 11 shirt once again.

Nick McCarthy replaces captain Luke McGrath at scrum-half.

Leinster: Max O'Reilly; Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Harry Byrne, Dave Kearney; Ross Byrne, Nick McCarthy; Ed Byrne, James Tracy, Michael Ala'alatoa; Devin Toner, Joe McCarthy; Josh Murphy, Dan Leavy, Rhys Ruddock (capt)

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Peter Dooley, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Dunne, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Adam Byrne, Scott Penny

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