Struggling Leinster make 14 changes with Lions star's brother set to debut

Leinster have made 14 changes for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Zebre Parma at the Aviva Stadium as they look to respond to a disappointing start to the campaign.

The URC champs were vanquished by bitter rivals Munster 31-14 last weekend at Croke Park and now look to bounce back with the vast bulk of their first-choice squad on Ireland duty.

Luke McGrath captains the much-changed side that includes two debutants in the starting XV and three more uncapped players named on the bench.

Full-back Hugo McLaughlin and tighthead Jerry Cahir will make their first appearances for the province.

McLaughlin, a former Gonzaga College student, featured prominently for Ireland U20s earlier this year, while Cahir – who recently joined on a short-term deal – has impressed in the Energia AIL with Dublin University and Lansdowne.

In the backline, Sevens flyer Joshua Kenny earns his first start after debuting against the Sharks, with Andrew Osborne on the opposite wing.

Hugh Cooney and Charlie Tector form the midfield partnership, and while Harry Byrne starts at fly-half.

Up front, Cahir joins John McKee and French veteran Rabah Slimani in a new-look front row.

Brian Deeny and Diarmuid Mangan combine in the second row, with Max Deegan, Scott Penny and James Culhane completing the back row.

The bench includes a number of fresh faces, with Bobby Sheehan – younger brother of Ireland hooker Dan – and Alex Usanov both in line for debuts if called upon. Austrian-born academy back Caspar Gabriel could also make his senior bow.

There’s good news for South African fans, with RG Snyman shaking off an injury to be named on the bench.

Leinster: 15. Hugo McLaughlin, 14. Joshua Kenny, 13. Hugh Cooney, 12. Charlie Tector, 11. Andrew Osborne, 10. Harry Byrne, 9. Luke McGrath (captain); 1. Jerry Cahir, 2. John McKee, 3. Rabah Slimani, 4. Brian Deeny, 5. Diarmuid Mangan, 6. Max Deegan, 7. Scott Penny, 8. James Culhane.

Replacements: 16. Bobby Sheehan, 17. Alex Usanov, 18. Andrew Sparrow, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Alex Soroka, 21. Will Connors, 22. Fintan Gunne, 23. Caspar Gabriel.