Byrne at fly-half as Ioane handed first Leinster start

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has recalled Harry Byrne at fly-half in one of seven changes for Friday's Investec Champions Cup trip to Leicester (20:00 GMT).

While Sam Prendergast started last week's opening pool win over Harlequins, Byrne is given the chance to impress on the European stage after catching the eye in three United Rugby Championship starts this season.

Coincidentally, Byrne's last Champions Cup start for Leinster was a 27-10 away win over Leicester in January 2024.

The 26-year-old, who spent part of last season on loan at Bristol, last started a Champions Cup game for Leinster in January 2024

Joining Byrne in the backline is All Blacks star Rieko Ioane, who is handed his first Leinster start after making his debut off the bench against Quins.

Ioane is partnered by the returning Robbie Henshaw in midfield, while James Lowe is fit to start on the left wing after recovering from a calf injury.

James Ryan is named in the second row after serving his suspension following a red card in Ireland's November defeat by South Africa, while there are two front-row changes as Tadhg Furlong and Ronan Kelleher replace Thomas Clarkson and Dan Sheehan at tight-head prop and hooker.

Leinster: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, Ioane, Henshaw, Lowe; Byrne, Gibson-Park; P McCarthy, Kelleher, Furlong, J McCarthy, Ryan, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Sheehan, Boyle, Clarkson, Mangan, Deegan, McGrath, Prendergast, Frawley.