Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has named a powerful 41-man travelling squad for South Africa as the reigning champions launch their United Rugby Championship (URC) title defence.
Following their historic URC Grand Final victory at Croke Park last June, the boys in blue are set for a gruelling two-week tour in the Rainbow Nation to kick off the 2026/27 campaign.
Cullen has selected a well-balanced group consisting of 22 forwards and 19 backs, seamlessly blending elite international experience with emerging homegrown talent.
Demonstrating Leinster’s famous pathway depth, nine Academy players have earned their spots on the plane. Among them are the exciting uncapped trio of Tadhg Brophy, Dylan McNeice, and Todd Lawlor, all of whom will be eager to make their senior debuts on southern hemisphere soil.
The tour will also mark the official return of two familiar faces. New signings Peter Dooley and Joey Carbery are both included in the touring party, officially beginning their second stints with the province.
Leinster take on the 10bets Lions on Saturday, 26 September at 13:30 SAST in their season opener before heading to Kings Park a week later to face the Sharks at 18:30 SAST.
Leinster touring squad:
Forwards (22): Ryan Baird, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Conan, Max Deegan, Brian Deeny, Peter Dooley, Josh Ericson, Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Dylan McNeice, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Scott Penny, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Niall Smyth, Stephen Smyth, Alan Spicer, Alex Usanov, Josh van der Flier.
Backs (19): Tadhg Brophy, Harry Byrne, Joey Carbery, Oliver Coffey, Hugh Cooney, Caspar Gabriel, Fintan Gunne, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Todd Lawlor, Ciarán Mangan, Hugo McLaughlin, Jimmy O’Brien, Tommy O’Brien, Andrew Osborne.
