Leinster team to face Connacht

Leo Cullen returns to the starting line up and captains the side for the visit of Connacht to the RDS. The Newtownmountkennedy second row joins fellow Ireland internationals Shane Jennings, Malcolm O'Kelly and Mike Ross in the pack alongside Rhys Ruddock who makes his second appearance for the province, and his home debut, after leading the Ireland Under-20's to the Six Nations title last weekend.

Eoin Reddan links up at half back with Jonathan Sexton, with Shaun Berne shifting to inside centre. Girvan Dempsey, a try scorer in the 20-14 victory over the Glasgow Warriors last time out, starts on the right wing to accommodate the return of Rob Kearney from international duty. Kearney starts at full-back with Isa Nacewa continuing on the left wing.

Over 13,500 tickets have now been sold for Saturday's game and tickets are on sale on www.leinsterrugby.ie and from Spar (Donnybrook), the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook) and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Leinster Rugby are delighted to confirm that one of Ireland's best kept musical secrets 'FIACH' will be performing his new song 'You Dear' live at half-time in the RDS on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the 4th annual 'Ladies Night' in aid of 'Action Breast Cancer' (ABC) will take place before and after the game on Saturday in the Shelbourne Hall, RDS. A programme of the Irish Cancer Society, ABC is the leading provider of breast cancer information and support in Ireland. Each year ABC reaches over 30,000 women who are concerned about breast cancer or breast health.

Over 300 supporters have already registered for the pre-match reception which will feature a drinks reception sponsored by Bulmers, live music, beauty and hair tips and goodie bags. Members of the Leinster squad will also be in attendance. After the match there will be more live music and a bumper raffle. Supporters are asked to pay a €10 suggested admission charge, in addition to the match ticket, and all proceeds will go to 'Action Breast Cancer'.

LEINSTER:

15: Rob Kearney
14: Girvan Dempsey
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Shaun Berne
11: Isa Nacewa
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Stan Wright
2: John Fogarty
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen CAPTAIN
5: Malcolm O'Kelly
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Shane Jennings
8: Stephen Keogh

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Bernard Jackman
17: CJ van der Linde
18: Devin Toner
19: Paul Ryan
20: Paul O'Donohoe
21: Eoin O'Malley
22: Simon Keogh