Leinster and Other Provinces Prepare for URC Action with Key Returns and Debuts
Leinster Welcomes Debutants and Seasoned Players
DUBLIN – Leinster Rugby has announced its team and replacements for the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) clash with the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday night, with some exciting debuts and experienced familiar faces set to grace the field.
Josh Ericson Aims for Impressive Debut
Josh Ericson is set to become the latest Leinster debutant (Paywall
) after being named on the bench for Friday night’s URC clash with the Dragons at Rodney Parade. The Skerries native, who was added to the Leinster academy earlier this month, is a sports’ all-rounder having played Gaelic football with Skerries Harps and represented Skerries Athletics Club.
The flanker comes from a strong rugby background, with his parents Moray and Pamela both having played the sport. Moray represented Southland in his native New Zealand, while Pamela captained Old Belvedere. Ericson follows in his mother’s footsteps, now playing with Old Belvedere in the All-Ireland League (AIL).
RG Snyman Returns after Unbeaten November
RG Snyman is also named among the replacements, fresh from an unbeaten November with the Springboks which culminated in him earning his 50th cap in last weekend’s win over Ireland.
Leinster Team and Replacements
Leinster (v Dragons): Jimmy O’Brien; Joshua Kenny, Hugh Cooney, Ciarán Frawley, Jordan Larmour; Harry Byrne, Fintan Gunne; Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson; Byron Deeney, Dave Mangan; Alex Soroka, Scott Penny, Max Deegan (capt).
Replacements: James McKee, Joe Cahir, էին Slimani, RG Snyman, Josh Ericson, Luis McGrath, Ciarán Tector, Roman Moloney.
Munster and Ulster Welcome Back International Players
Meanwhile, captain Tadhg Beirne is one of five returning Ireland internationals for Munster against league leaders DHL Stormers at Thomond Park on Saturday, 5:30 PM.
Ulster, on the other hand, welcomes back international players Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, and Jacob Stockdale for their clash against Benetton at the Affidea Stadium on Friday, 7:45 PM.
Munster Team and Replacements
Munster (v Stormers): Shane Daly; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (capt), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Michael Milne, Ronan Foxe, Edwin Edogbo, John Hodnett, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Dan Kelly.
Ulster Team and Replacements
Ulster (v Benetton): Jacob Stockdale; Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Jude Postlethwaite, Werner Kok; Johnny Murphy, Nathan Doak; Sean Creat, John Andrew, Ross збір; Iain Henderson (capt), Alan O’Coneill; Nick Timoney, David Ows Kahnack, Juarno Augustus.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Callu Reid, Tom O’Toole, Mike Dalton, Ben Ward, David colenahan, Ian Flannery, Simon Moore.
Did you know?
Leinster and Munster have both won the URC (formerly Pro14) a record five times, with Leinster having won the last three in a row.
Pro Tip
Get to know the players making their debuts. They often bring a fresh spark and energy to the team.
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