Ericson in line for debut as Cullen names team to face Dragons

The Leinster Rugby team, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, to take on Dragons in Round 6 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade (KO: 7.45pm, live on TG4 and Premier Sports 1) has been named by Head Coach, Leo Cullen.

Josh Ericson, who was added to the Leinster Academy earlier this month, is in line to make his debut after being named on the bench for tomorrow night’s game.

Max Deegan captains the side from number eight, with Alex Soroka and Scott Penny joining him on the flanks.

Brian Deeny partners Diarmuid Mangan in the second row, with Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson scrummaging down on either side of Gus McCarthy at hooker.

Fintan Gunne has been named at scrum-half with Harry Byrne outside him at out-half, while Ciarán Frawley partners Hugh Cooney in the centre.

Joshua Kenny is named on the wing once more after scoring two tries against Zebre Parma in our last outing, with Jordan Larmour on the opposite side and Jimmy O’Brien at full-back.

On the bench, the uncapped Ericson is joined by some experienced faces. RG Snyman returns after earning his 50th international cap in South Africa’s win over Ireland last weekend, with Rabah Slimani joining Jerry Cahir and John McKee as the front row replacements.

Luke McGrath provides the cover at scrum-half with Charlie Tector and Ruben Moloney completing the matchday 23.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Jimmy O’Brien (106)
14. Joshua Kenny (2)
13. Hugh Cooney (9)
12. Ciarán Frawley (107)
11. Jordan Larmour (115)
10. Harry Byrne (75)
9. Fintan Gunne (21)

1. Jack Boyle (31)
2. Gus McCarthy (18)
3. Thomas Clarkson (62)
4. Brian Deeny (41)
5. Diarmuid Mangan (19)
6. Alex Soroka (21)
7. Scott Penny (92)
8. Max Deegan (140) CAPTAIN

Replacements:
16. John McKee (38)
17. Jerry Cahir (1)
18. Rabah Slimani (26)
19. RG Snyman (24)
20. Josh Ericson (0)
21. Luke McGrath (238)
22. Charlie Tector (19)
23. Ruben Moloney (1)

Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU).