Five changes for Connacht ahead of Leinster clash

January 02, 2026
311
Ultimate Rugby

There are five changes from the side that started last week’s narrow loss to Ulster. Dave Heffernan and Jack Carty miss out through injury, so Dylan Tierney-Martin comes in to start at hooker and Josh Ioane at 10 as a new 9-10 combo with Matthew Devine. David Hawkshaw gets a well-earned start at outside centre, and Chay Mullins has returned to full fitness to come onto the right wing.

Otherwise it’s as selected from last week, with starts for props Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham, locks Joe Joyce and David O’Connor, and a back row of Josh Murphy, captain Cian Prendergast and Sean Jansen.

Bundee Aki continues at inside centre, while Finn Treacy is on the left wing and Sam Gilbert remains at full-back.

Among the replacements is the returning Paul Boyle from injury, and Academy props Fiachna Barrett and Billy Bohan, who will make his URC debut if called upon having come off the bench in the Challenge Cup against Black Lion last month.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says:

"There’s no bigger challenge in the URC than Leinster at the Aviva and it’s one we’re relishing. You want to test yourselves against the best teams in Europe, so this is a great opportunity to take the learnings of the last few weeks. I know from past experience that there’s always a big Connacht crowd in Dublin for these games, so I’m sure they’ll make their voices heard again.”

Leinster Rugby v Connacht Rugby

Saturday 3rd January, 17:30 @ Aviva Stadium

Number/Name/Caps

15. Sam Gilbert (5)

14. Chay Mullins (14)

13. David Hawkshaw (48)

12. Bundee Aki (156)

11. Finn Treacy (12)

10. Josh Ioane (20)

9. Matthew Devine (25)

1. Denis Buckley (270)

2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (63)