Connacht Rugby have announced the team that will face Leinster in the Sportsground this New Years Day.

Mick Kearney earns his first competitive start for the Province at blindside flanker replacing Dave Gannon who came off with a knee injury on Monday. The 20 year old academy forward, who stands at 6 foot 5 inches, is a former Mount Temple Comprehensive pupil and has represented Ireland U18, U20 & Irish Colleges. He earned his first cap for Connacht against the Ospreys this season and has appeared 5 times since then.

The other change in the pack sees Adrian Flavin replace Ethienne Reynecke at hooker. With over 117 caps Flavin is one of Connacht’s most experienced players and even allowing for Mick Kearney’s youth the pack boasts 765 caps between them

There are 3 changes to the starting backline. Frank Murphy makes way for Paul O’Donohoe at scrumhalf, Brian Tuohy replaces Fetu’u Vainikolo on the wing and Connacht’s newest signing Kyle Tonetti takes over from the injured Dave McSharry. Tonetti joined Connacht from Sale Sharks earlier this season and steps in for McSharry who required stitches to his chin following the St Stephens Day clash with Munster.

The last remaining tickets are still available for this match and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ie

Connacht XV to face Leinster (The Sportsground – Sunday 1st January 17.00)

15 Gavin Duffy (C)

14 Brian Tuohy

13 Eoin Griffin

12 Kyle Tonetti

11 Tiernan O’Halloran

10 Niall O’Connor

09 Paul O’Donohoe

01 Brett Wilkinson

02 Adrian Flavin

03 Ronan Loughney

04 George Naoupu

05 Mike McCarthy

06 Mick Kearney

07 Johnny O’connor

08 John Muldoon

16 Ethienne Reynecke

17 Denis Buckley

18 Dylan Rogers

19 Eoin McKeon

20 TJ Anderson

21 Frank Murphy

22 Matthew Jarvis

23 Henry Fa’afili