Injuries hit Leinster

Suddenly the Leinster squad takes on a totally new complexion and, as with Munster, who nominated their European Cup squad last week, so too do Leinster begin to assume a class look about themselves.

Because of injury, there are several obvious names that are not included in the 34-man squad. Denis Hickie (Achilles' tendon) and Leo Cullen (shoulder) continue to be long-term casualties, as do two front rows, John Lyne and Niall Treston, both of whom are recovering from broken legs. Treston was unfortunate enough to sustain a double break in his accident.

Outside centre Kieran Lewis is also out for some time with knee cartilage damage, while James Norton has a broken hip. In a freak, off-pitch accident, the St Mary's College winger/full back injured himself when he fell near to Dun Laoghaire pier.

Others, such as James Downey, are unfortunate not to make the squad due to a wealth of talent in certain areas. With Brian O'Driscoll back and Shane Horgan, used by Leinster as a centre, back in harness along with Gary Brown and David Quinlan, those positions are particularly hard fought.

Other players, such as Barnhall's Brendan Burke, who has been an exciting prospect on the wing, have come through strongly this year and have been rewarded with selection by coach Gary Ella.

Leinster are the only Irish team playing at home on the opening weekend of the Cup. They meet Biarritz at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, December 6th, while Munster travel to Bourgoin on the same day.

Ulster must also face an opening away match against Gwent in Wales on Sunday 7th.

Tickets for the Leinster game go on sale on today from www.leinsterrugby.ie and from all Elvery's outlets and two Spar shops, one in Donnybrook and one in Bath Ave. East Upper and West Upper stands will be closed, with the branch aiming for 20,000 fans per match.

Stand tickets are €30 each (same as Donnybrook price); touchline €20; terrace €15; family tickets €70; schoolpupils €5.

Discounted packages for all three home pool matches are only available online: stand €75; family €175; schoolpupils €12.

LEINSTER EUROPEAN CUP SQUAD - Forwards: Niall Breslin, Brian Blaney, David Blaney, Enda Bohan, Emmett Byrne, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Victor Costello, Peter Coyle, Des Dillon, Ben Gissing, Keith Gleeson, Gavin Hickie, Shane Jennings, Aidan Kearney, Aidan McCullen, Eric Miller, Darren Molloy, Jason Moran, Malcolm O'Kelly.

Backs: Gary Brown, Brendan Burke, Felipe Contepomi, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Derek Hegarty, Shane Horgan, Matthew Leek, John McWeeney, Brian O'Driscoll, Brian O'Meara, Brian O'Riordan, David Quinlan, Christian Warner.