URC teams: Dan Sheehan to lead Leinster as five internationals return

Leinster welcome back five members of Ireland's World Cup squad for their BKT United Rugby Championship clash against Dragons on Sunday (1.15pm).

Leo Cullen's side are on a two-game winning streak after beating Edinburgh and the Sharks over the last two weeks.

Hooker Dan Sheehan will captain the side for the first time with new co-captains Garry Ringrose and James Ryan not included in the squad this weekend.

Winger Jimmy O’Brien and out-half Ross Byrne also start, with Ryan Baird and Joe McCarthy at wing forward and lock, respectively.

Ciarán Frawley is named at full-back, with Tommy O’Brien and Jimmy O’Brien, who came off the bench against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, on the wings.

Jamie Osborne and Charlie Ngatai are in the centre once more, with the returning Byrne at fly-half.

Academy scrum-half Ben Murphy makes his first start for Leinster.

The Clontarf half-back has five appearances off the bench since his debut against Munster in May 2022.

In the pack, Jack Boyle, Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson form the front row.

Lansdowne’s Sheehan made his Leinster debut in October 2020, scoring two tries against Zebre and has since added a further 45 caps to his name.

In the second row, McCarthy also makes his return from Rugby World Cup duties alongside Jason Jenkins with Baird also back in the mix for the first time this season.

Will Connors and James Culhane complete the back row. Among the replacements, Samoa captain Michael Ala’alatoa is in line to win his 50th Leinster cap.

Leinster: Ciarán Frawley; Tommy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Charlie Ngatai, Jimmy O’Brien; Ross Byrne, Ben Murphy; Jack Boyle, Dan Sheehan (capt), Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, Jason Jenkins; Ryan Baird, Will Connors, James Culhane.

Replacements: Le