Leinster look set to hand senior caps to out-half Caspar Gabriel and Bobby Sheehan, brother of Ireland hooker Dan, against Zebre at Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
The pair are among five uncapped players named in the squad, with both starting on the bench, for the BKT URC round-five clash (5.30pm).
Leo Cullen's side, who lost their third game of the campaign to Munster last weekend, are without 22 players who are away on international duty with Ireland in Chicago.
Sheehan (below) has joined as temporary cover from Lansdowne FC, while Gabriel, originally from Vienna, is in the second year of the Leinster academy and plays with Terenure College in the Energia AIL.
The 20-year-old scored a try and added three conversions in last Saturday's 26-26 draw with Munster 'A'.
Hugo McLaughlin will make his debut at full-back. The academy player was a regular in the Ireland U-20 side during the 2024 campaign.
Joshua Kenny comes in for his first start after making his debut in the win over the Sharks two weeks ago, with Andrew Osborne on the opposite wing.
Hugh Cooney and Charlie Tector form a centre partnership, with Harry Byrne at out-half and Luke McGrath captaining the team from scrum-half.
Up front, Jerry Cahir is the second player to make his debut from the start after signing a short-term contract last month.
John McKee and Rabah Slimani complete a new-look front row, with Brian Deeny and Diarmuid Mangan named in the second row.
Max Deegan moves across to blindside flanker, with Scott Penny taking the seven shirt and James Culhane named at number 8.
Alex Usanov will make his debut if he is introduced to the action from the replacements.
The former Belvedere College prop earned six caps for Ireland U-20 last season.
Andrew Sparrow, who made his debut in this season opener against Stormers in Cape Town, has also been named among the replacements, with RG Snyman offering his experience in reserve.
Alex Soroka and Will Connors provide further cover for the forwards in a 6:2 bench split against a visiting side that Leinster have beaten in all 19 previous meetings.
Leinster: Hugo McLaughlin; Joshua Kenny, Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector, Andrew Osborne; Harry Byrne, Luke McGrath (capt); Jerry Cahir, John McKee, Rabah Slimani; Brian Deeny, Diarmuid Mangan; Max Deegan, Scott Penny, James Culhane.
Replacements: Bobby Sheehan, Alex Usanov, Andrew Sparrow, RG Snyman, Alex Soroka, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Caspar Gabriel.
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