URC team news: Provinces go strong ahead of final round before Test window

Robbie Henshaw will make his first appearance of the season for Leinster in Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Emirates Lions at the Aviva Stadium (Saturday, 5.15pm, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The Ireland international’s campaign had been delayed by a minor injury but returns as one of ten changes from last week’s win against Connacht in Galway.

Head coach Leo Cullen has shuffled his deck for the final game before the international break, but the province are still able to call on several frontline Ireland internationals, including captain Caelan Doris.

The newly appointed Ireland skipper comes in for James Culhane, while Josh van der Flier also starts in the back row, with Max Deegan retaining his place at blindside flanker.

Ryan Baird makes his return from concussion, starting his first game of the season alongside RG Snyman in the second row.

Up front, Gus McCarthy and Rabah Slimani keep their places, with Michael Milne starting at loosehead, and Andrew Porter providing experience off the bench.

Cullen has changed up his half-backs, with Sam Prendergast and Luke McGrath paired together this week, while Hugh Cooney makes his first start for the province following his debut last week, joining Henshaw in the centre.

James Lowe is back in the side on the left wing, while Andrew Osborne and Hugo Keenan remain in situ following the bonus-point win at the Dexcom Stadium.

Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Andrew Osborne, Hugh Cooney, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Michael Milne, Gus McCarthy, Rabah Slimani; RG Snyman, Ryan Baird; Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt)

Replacements: Stephen Smyth, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, James Culhane, Cormac Foley, Ross