Jamie Heaslip declared fit to captain Leinster against Wasps

Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip has been declared fit to lead the province in their crucial European Champions Cup match with Wasps.

The Irish number eight had been withdrawn early in the second half against Castres in last weekend’s impressive victory putting his participation this Saturday into doubt.

Head coach Matt O'Connor has made two changes to the starting team from that win against the French side. Kane Douglas is in to partner Devin Toner meaning Mike McCarthy will start the game from the bench. In the backrow blindside flanker Jack Conan steps out as Dominic Ryan is selected to start.

On Thursday Conan's standout season with Leinster thus far was rewarded with a place in Joe Schmidt's extended 46-man Ireland squad for the opening Six Nations games.

In a squad change from last weekend’s win, scrumhalf Isaac Boss also comes in for young Luke McGrath.

There is no change in the front row with Michael Bent, also named in Ireland’s Six Nations squad, again selected at loosehead beside try scorers from last weekend Sean Cronin at hooker and Marty Moore at tighthead.

Jordi Murphy starts his fifth game in a row at openside having returned in November from shoulder surgery.

Rob Kearney remains at full back, Fergus McFadden starts his second Champions Cup game of the year on the right wing and Dave Kearney, the first try scorer last weekend, on the left wing.

Gordon D’Arcy is on the bench once more as Ian Madigan and Luke Fitzgerald continue their centre partnership, while in the half backs Eoin Reddan and Jimmy Gopperth again start.

Leinster team: Rob Kearney; Fergus McFadden, Luke Fitzgerald, Ian Madigan, Dave Kearney; Jimmy Gopperth, Eoin Reddan; Michael Bent, Sean Cronin, Marty Moore; Devin Toner, Kane Douglas; Dominic Ryan, Jordi Murphy, Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jamie Hagan, Tadhg Furlong, Mike McCarthy, Jack Conan, Isaac Boss, Gordon D'Arcy, Darragh Fanning ,