Leinster make six changes for difficult trip to Clermont

14:20, 16 Oct 2026Updated 15:07, 16 Oct 2026

Leinster will start 14 experienced Ireland internationals for their Champions Cup opener against ASM Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin this Saturday (KO: 3.15pm Irish time / 4.15pm local time, live on Premier Sports 2).

Scrum-half Fintan Gunne is the odd one out while, notably, Ryan Baird has been drafted in to play at no6, a clear sign Leinster are looking to solidify their maul.

This comes on the back of a patent misfire in this area last week, albeit part of that was down to problems at the lineout.

Says Leinster boss Leo Cullen: "Ryan Baird will be a big addition, in terms of lineout he's one of the best around, in terms of number one, his athletic profile, but it's the work that he does is, it's exceptional.

He puts a huge amount of time and hours into preparation, so hopefully you see the rewards in that in what is a very, very big game.

"So the relationship that he has with Joe and James Ryan, that 4/5/6 combo, it has to be a real point of difference for us because it'll go a long way between the winning and losing of this game, I believe.

The coach would specify who would be calling the lineout given James Ryan and Joe McCarthy are there too.

"I don't want to give up that now, can't give up trade secrets, because we would change.

"So we would sometimes, it would depend on the formation who the lineout caller would be, so it's not triggers, so the last thing I want to do is give up triggers in a media conference where you're giving up your hand.

So Ryan Baird isn't specifically coming in to call the lineout?

"Well he might call a lineout..." grinned Cullen.

There are six changes to the starting XV from Saturday's 29-5 win over Cardiff at Laya Arena, with Joey Carbery also coming into the matchday squad for the first time since rejoining the province over the summer.

Dan Sheehan captains the side once more from hooker with Andrew Porter coming in at loosehead prop and Tadhg Furlong at tighthead prop.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan continue in the second row with Jack Conan at number eight once more while Ryan Baird and Josh van der Flier come in on the flanks.

Gunne starts at scrum-half with Sam Prendergast at out-half as Robbie Henshaw comes in to partner Garry Ringrose in the centre.

Hugo Keenan is named at full-back with Tommy O'Brien and Jimmy O'Brien on the wings.

Carbery is named among the replacements with Academy scrum-half Oliver Coffey and Jamie Osborne providing the further cover for the backs.

Rónan Kelleher, Alex Usanov and Thomas Clarkson offer the front row reinforcements with Conor O’Tighearnaigh and Scott Penny completing the matchday squad.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):15. Hugo Keenan (87)14. Tommy O’Brien (64)13. Garry Ringrose (152)12. Robbie Henshaw (124)11. Jimmy O’Brien (121)10. Sam Prendergast (54)9. Fintan Gunne (36)1. Andrew Porter (152)2. Dan Sheehan (90) CAPTAIN3. Tadhg Furlong (168)4. Joe McCarthy (67)5. James Ryan (113)6. Ryan Baird (92)7. Josh van der Flier (177)8. Jack Conan (181)

Replacements:16. Rónan Kelleher (97)17. Alex Usanov (13)18. Thomas Clarkson (82)19. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (13)20. Scott Penny (108)21. Oliver Coffey (5)22. Joey Carbery (37)23. Jamie Osborne (78)