Rhys Ruddock and Fergus McFadden set to return to Leinster starting line-up

Thu, 23 Feb, 2017 - 12:32

Steve Neville

Leinster welcome back Rhys Ruddock and Fergus McFadden to the starting line-up to face the Dragons on Friday.

Head coach Leo Cullen will be pleased to have the two internationals back in the starting XV.

Rudduck starts wearing number 6 and is joined in the back row by Jack Conan and Peadar Timmins, making his first start.

Ahead of them Ross Molony and Mike McCarthy start in the second row with Peter Dooley, Richardt Strauss and Michael Bent packing down in the front.

Joey Carbery continues his return from injury starting at fullback with Adam Byrne and McFadden on the wings.

Noel Reid and Zane Kirchner line out in the centre with Ross Byrne at out half and Jamison Gibson-Park at 9.

TEAM NEWS: @fergmcfadden and @RhysRuddock return, @PeadarTimmins makes his first start. #NGDvLEI pic.twitter.com/3qhBm2qeYI
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 23, 2017

The other positive news for Leinster is that Ed Byrne marks a return to the bench. The Carlow native hasn't played a competitive senior game almost 28 months after two serious knee injuries.

If Byrne plays it will be just his sixth cap and his first since the 31st October 2014.

The game kicks off on Friday at 7.30pm.

Leinster team

15. Joey Carbery

14. Adam Byrne

13. Zane Kirchner

12. Noel Reid

11. Fergus McFadden

10. Ross Byrne

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Peter Dooley

2. Richardt Strauss