Gordon D’Arcy named in Leinster squad for last home appearance

Ian Madigan returns to the Leinster team as one of five changes for their Pro12 clash with Treviso on Friday evening in the RDS.

That means Gordon D’Arcy will have to be content with a place among the replacements for what will be his last ever home appearance for the province.

Both he and backrow Shane Jennings, who has also announced that this season will be his last for Leinster, will receive special post-match presentations.

Jennings will also be introduced to the crowd just before the game, while D’Arcy who should make his 261st appearance for Matt O’Connor’s team will be introduced to the crowd after the game.

The duo together have six Heineken Cup medals and seven Celtic League and Pro12 titles.

Leinster’s final game of the Pro12 season will be away to Edinburgh the following weekend.

Meanwhile Dave Kearney has recovered from his hip flexor strain and he replaces Luke Fitzgerald who had surgery last weekend on his left shoulder. Zane Kirchner is selected on the right wing, with Rob Kearney again at full back.

Eoin Reddan and Jimmy Gopperth, another making his last home appearance, complete the backs.

Gopperth leaves for Wasps in the summer.

In the front row Jack McGrath starts, as does Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross. The back row consists of Jordi Murphy at blindside flanker, Sean O'Brien at openside and Jamie Heaslip once again captains the side at number eight.

LEINSTER: Rob Kearney; Zane Kirchner, Ben Te'o, Ian Madigan, Dave Kearney; Jimmy Gopperth, Eoin Reddan; Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy; Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Michael Bent, Tadhg Furlong, Tom Denton, Jack Conan, Isaac Boss, Gordon D’Arcy, Darragh Fanning.