Ryan Baird makes Leinster return as fellow Ireland star dropped from 23

Ryan Baird will make his long-awaited return to competitive action when Leinster welcome Edinburgh to Aviva Stadium in the Round of 16 of the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday evening.

Back in blue for the first time since October, Baird is restored to the starting XV as Leo Cullen makes four personnel changes from last week’s 36–19 BKT United Rugby Championship win over Scarlets.

The 26-year-old slots straight into the engine room alongside Joe McCarthy, offering Leinster a not insignificant athletic and lineout boost at the business end of the European season.

The loss at the end of March of Springbok RG Snyman to a season-ending injury may well have pushed Cullen towards Baird’s deployment at lock and not at blindside.

There is no room for Ireland star Sam Prendergast in the 23, with Harry Byrne preferred at ten and Ciaran Frawley providing coverage off the bench at stand-off and across the backline, with Robbie Henshaw also named off on the pine.

Perpignan-bound Luke McGrath could also reach a significant milestone if introduced from the bench, with the experienced scrum-half poised to earn his 250th Leinster cap.

Caelan Doris captains the side once more from No.8, with Jack Conan returning at blindside flanker and Josh van der Flier occupying the openside.

Up front, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are again entrusted with the starting front row duties for the second week in succession.

Hugo Keenan makes his return to the starting XV for just his second appearance of the season.

Jimmy O’Brien switches to the wing alongside Tommy O’Brien. Jamie Osborne continues his run at inside centre, partnered by All Black star Rieko Ioane.

Jamison Gibson-Park and the aforementioned Byrne are named at half-back.

The replacements bench features Alex Usanov, who is in line to make his Investec Champions Cup debut as part of the front row cover.

Brian Deeny and Max Deegan provide reinforcement in the back five of the scrum.

Leinster Rugby team
15. Hugo Keenan
14. Tommy O’Brien
13. Rieko Ioane
12. Jamie Osborne
11. Jimmy O’Brien
10. Harry Byrne
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Joe McCarthy
5. Ryan Baird
6. Jack Conan
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy
17. Alex Usanov
18. Thomas Clarkson
19. Brian Deeny
20. Max Deegan
21. Luke McGrath
22. Ciarán Frawley
23. Robbie Henshaw

Referee: Luke Pearce