Caelan Doris returns as Leinster make 13 changes for Italian job

Caelan Doris returns to captain Leinster as Leo Cullen makes 13 changes to the starting XV for Saturday’s Round 16 URC clash with Benetton at Stadio Monigo.

Doris is named in a reshaped back row alongside Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan, with all three returning to the starting side following last week’s 29–21 win away to Ulster.

The Ireland captain hasn’t featured since Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 win over Edinburgh earlier in the month.

In the second row, Brian Deeny is paired with Conor O’Tighearnaigh, who signed his first senior Leinster contract during the week.

Short-term Cardiff Rugby loanee Ed Byrne starts in the front row for the first time since May 2024, joining Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.

Behind the scrum, Jamison Gibson-Park and Harry Byrne combine at half-back, with the out-half also recently putting pen to paper on a new contract.

All Blacks star Rieko Ioane is selected back in the centre alongside Jamie Osborne. He returns from wing, where he started against Sale Sharks.

In the back three, Jimmy O’Brien continues on the left wing, Tommy O’Brien comes in on the right and Ciarán Frawley is named at full-back.

The replacement bench includes Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson and Alex Soroka, who have all signed new deals this week. They are joined by Jerry Cahir and Scott Penny among the forwards, while Fintan Gunne, Sam Prendergast and Charlie Tector provide the backline cover.

Leinster vs Benetton:
15. Ciarán Frawley
14. Tommy O’Brien
13. Rieko Ioane
12. Jamie Osborne
11. Jimmy O’Brien
10. Harry Byrne
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Ed Byrne
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Conor O’Tighearnaigh
5. Brian Deeny
6. Jack Conan
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy
17. Jerry Cahir
18. Thomas Clarkson
19. Alex Soroka
20. Scott Penny
21. Fintan Gunne
22. Sam Prendergast
23. Charlie Tector