Cullen returns to captain Leinster

Leo Cullen will make his first competitive start for Leinster since re-signing for the province during the summer in tomorrow…

Leo Cullen will make his first competitive start for Leinster since re-signing for the province during the summer in tomorrow's Magners League game against Edinburgh at the RDS (5.30pm).

The Irish international secondrow joined from Leicester earlier this year and will make his 84th appearance for Michael Cheika's team.  He will also captain the side.

Cullen partners Trevor Hogan in the second row.   Argentina prop Juan Francisco-Gomez makes his debut in the front row.

Both Stephen Knoop and Shane Jennings - another returning from Leicester - are named on a strong-looking bench alongside Cillian Willis who missed the latter half of last season after shoulder surgery.

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Chris Whitaker partners Jonathan Sexton at half-back while Christian Warner continues his promising midfield partnership with Michael Berne.

Ireland internationals Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald join Gary Brown in a lively-looking back three.

Tickets will be on sale from Ticketmaster booths around the ground on Saturday from 3pm.

There will be 'Family Day' activities around the ground from 4.30pm with a Canterbury Roadshow, Tag Rugby, and skills and drills from the Leinster Women's Team.

LEINSTER:  15: Rob Kearney;  14: Gary Brown, 13: Michael Berne, 12: Christian Warner, 11: Luke Fitzgerald; 10: Jonathan Sexton, 9: Chris Whitaker;  1: Stan Wright,  2: Bernard Jackman, 3: Juan Francisco-Gomez;  4: Trevor Hogan, 5: Leo Cullen (capt); 6: Stephen Keogh, 7: Keith Gleeson, 8: Jamie Heaslip. Replacements:  16: Brian Blaney, 17: Stephen Knoop, 18: Devin Toner, 19: Cameron Jowitt, 20: Shane Jennings, 21: Cillian Willis, 22: Fergus McFadden.