Leinster target South African double with star-studded touring squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Leinster have named a star-studded 41-man squad, including the bulk of their Ireland internationals, for their opening two United Rugby Championship matches in South Africa.
The defending URC champions will arrive with plenty of Test experience for clashes against the Lions at Ellis Park on 26 September and the Sharks in Durban the following weekend.
Among the headline names travelling are Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Andrew Porter, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, James Ryan, Sam Prendergast, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan, and brothers Jimmy and Tommy O’Brien.
Conan is the most experienced player in the touring squad with 180 appearances for the Irish province.
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The only notable absentee from Leinster’s Ireland contingent is scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park, who has not travelled to South Africa.
Leinster have also included three uncapped players in Tadhg Brophy, Dylan McNeice and Todd Lawlor, while returning signings Peter Dooley and Joey Carbery could begin their second spells with the province during the tour.
Head coach Leo Cullen, who is preparing for his final season in charge, acknowledged the size of the challenge awaiting his side after watching South Africa’s 3-1 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series victory over the All Blacks.
“With the new season upon us, we’re particularly pleased to announce an exciting squad that will represent Leinster in South Africa for our opening two rounds,” Cullen said.
“Having watched Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and seeing South Africa win that series three Tests to one, we understand how difficult a challenge we have on our hands in taking on the Lions at Ellis Park and the Sharks in Durban.”
Cullen also believes the tour will provide an ideal opportunity for Leinster’s younger players to test themselves against South African opposition.
“It will be a great opportunity for some of the younger players, who acquitted themselves really well in pre-season, to test themselves in the home of the Rugby World Cup champions.”
Leinster travelling squad (Leinster caps in brackets):
Forwards
Ryan Baird (90)
Thomas Clarkson (80)
Jack Conan (180)
Max Deegan (161)
Brian Deeny (53)
Peter Dooley (104)
Josh Ericson (2)
Tadhg Furlong (167)
Rónan Kelleher (95)
Gus McCarthy (31)
Joe McCarthy (66)
Dylan McNeice (0)
Conor O’Tighearnaigh (11)
Scott Penny (106)
Andrew Porter (150)
James Ryan (112)
Dan Sheehan (89)
Niall Smyth (2)
Stephen Smyth (4)
Alan Spicer (2)
Alex Usanov (10)
Josh van der Flier (176)
Backs
Tadhg Brophy (0)
Harry Byrne (94)
Joey Carbery (37)
Oliver Coffey (2)
Hugh Cooney (13)
Caspar Gabriel (1)
Fintan Gunne (33)
Robbie Henshaw (122)
Hugo Keenan (86)
Todd Lawlor (0)
Ciarán Mangan (2)
Hugo McLaughlin (2)
Jimmy O’Brien (120)
Tommy O’Brien (62)
Andrew Osborne (20)
Jamie Osborne (77)
Sam Prendergast (52)
Garry Ringrose (151)
Charlie Tector (27)
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