Rieko Ioane set for Leinster debut as Joe McCarthy returns from injury for Harlequines calsh

Michael Bolton

All Black Rieko Ioane is set to make his debut for Leinster as he has been named among the replacements for their Champions Cup opener against Harlequins.

In a big boost for Leinster, Joe McCarthy returns from a foot injury he suffered on the Lions tour to start in the second row alongside RG Snyman.

James Ryan is out through suspension, while Robbie Henshaw (hamstring), James Lowe (calf), and Andrew Porter (arm) all miss out through injury.

Paddy McCarthy will make his Champions Cup debut in the front row alongside Dan Sheehan and Tom Clarkson in the front row.

Jamison Gibson-Park will start at scrum-half alongside Sam Prendergast, with Ciarán Frawley at inside centre, with Garry Ringrose.

Caelan Doris captains the side at number eight, with Jack Conan at six, with Ryan Baird injured.

Leinster: Jimmy O’Brien; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Ciarán Frawley, Jordan Larmour; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Paddy McCarthy, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; RG Snyman, Joe McCarthy; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Tadhg Furlong, Diarmuid Mangan, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Rieko Ioane.

Tickets are still available for the game at the Aviva Stadium, with kick-off at 5:30 pm. Live coverage will be shown on Premier Sports.