Leinster go into 2026/27 in a somewhat unusual position. For all the familiar talk of depth, production lines and international quality, this is a team that feels a little less bombproof than in recent years. There is still exceptional strength in key areas, particularly in the scrum, lock and back row, where Leo Cullen can call upon plenty of proven talent to test.
But there are also genuine questions to be answered in the front row, in midfield and out wide.
The departures of James Lowe, Rieko Ioane, Ciarán Frawley and Luke McGrath have reduced experience and versatility, while the departure of Rabah Slimani leaves re-examination at the tight end a long-term concern.
Even so, Leinster’s response is characteristically measured rather than dramatic. The return of Joey Carbery and Peter Dooley adds depth where needed, while another wave of academy talent (think Caspar Gabriel, Josh Ericson et al) awaits opportunities.
As ever, the challenge for Leinster is not stockpiling talent but turning it into silverware. And, for all that, the team remains one of the strongest in Europe on paper as they prepare to run out at the revamped RDS.
We have taken the liberty of including a number of academy players in the following list.
whore: Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, Stephen Smyth
It is a well-stocked pantry at No. 2. While Sheehan has not reached the heights of previous seasons at club level, Leinster have the luxury of being able to knock out Ireland’s No. 2 in Kelleher. Hard-nosed Gus McCarthy has also shown he’s more than capable in the ruck, while Smyth was limited to just 65 minutes of first-team action last season.
8.5/10
Relaxed head: Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle, Paddy McCarthy, Peter Dooley, Alex Usanov
Leinster’s loosehead division was complete carnage in 2026. A series of positional injuries left Leinster scratching their heads and turning pots over for props. However, for all that, perhaps the biggest headline this season has been the emergence of Paddy McCarthy. Jerry Cahir’s exit to Connacht after a remarkable rise from salesman to hole-making professional rugby player, alongside short-term Cardiff returnee and now-retired Ed Byrne, he is easing another bounce in the form of Connacht’s Peter Dooley. Ireland international Boyle must make a fresh case after his stock dropped through injury, while newcomer Usanova is sure to benefit from the baptism of fire he endured in 2025/26.
8/10
Solid head: Tadhg Furlong, Tom Clarkson, Andrew Sparrow, Niall Smyth
Perhaps one of Leinster’s biggest concerns in the position over the last few seasons has been tension. The departure of Rabah Slimani after an Indian summer in Dublin over two seasons has put more emphasis on a department that reliably squeaked and groaned when tested against the best. The question is whether Clarkson can step out of the aging Furlong’s shadow.
7/10
lock: James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, RG Snyman, Ryan Baird, Brian Deeny, Dirmuid Mangan, Conor O’Tighearnaigh
Arguably the strongest second row stable in all of club rugby. Leinster are able to field four international-class locks, injuries notwithstanding. The trio of Deeny, Mangan and the towering O’Tighearnaigh also proved more than capable of mixing it at the highest level.
9.5/10
last line: Caelan Doris, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Alex Soroka, James Culhane, Josh Eribone
Again, a department that borders on an embarrassment of riches for Leinster. When you factor in that they can reliably move Ryan Baird’s named lock to six, it means Leinster effectively have two international-class back rows to choose from.
8.5/10
Scrum-half: Jamison Gibson-Park, Cormac Foley, Fintan Gunne, Oliver Coffey
JGP is one of the best defenders in the world, but there is light between him and his assistants. The promising Gunne, whom Cullen has so far seemed reluctant to trust when the chips are down, needs more game time and will get it with the departure of Luke McGrath to Perpignan.
8/10
Fly-half: Sam Prendergast, Joey Carbery, Harry Byrne, Caspar Gabriel
The loss of Ciaran Frawley to Connacht ruins Leinster’s top 10, even if he started a few games in that position last season. Re-signing veteran Carbery from Bordeaux is, however, a very welcome addition. While it would be hard to argue that any of the three provincial oppositions are truly world-class, it speaks to the depth in the position that you could easily see any of the trio starting in Europe this season. It will be a fascinating battle. It was also shown that the highly-rated Caspar Gabriel – who has only one senior cap to date – was pursued Munster for a short-term deal following Jack Crowley’s injury, before being told no by Leinster.
7.5/10
center: Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, Charlie Tector, Hugh Cooney
A midfield on the brink of transition – possibly stuck between two battle-hardened but aging stars and up-and-coming talents with little left to prove. Osborne is the heir apparent, although he has become something of a master, covering almost every position in the backline under Leo Cullen. Tector had a great season that was limited by injury, and Cooney also shined, albeit in brief cameos.
7/10
wing: Tommy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour, Joshua Kenny, Andrew Osborne, Hugo McLaughlin
The huge – and unforeseen – loss of James Lowe hit the headlines at the end of last season and left Leinster’s wing stocks in the dark. He will rely heavily on the academy this season and no doubt back-up full-back Jimmy O’Brien will be in demand on the wing in 2026/27.
7/10
Back: Hugo Keenan, Jimmy O’Brien
Keenan returned to form in 2025/26, while the aforementioned O’Brien has repeatedly shown that he can be deployed at full-back, wing or center and deliver. Frawley’s loss to Connacht also means Jamie Osborne is likely to get plenty of game time again in the 15s.
8/10
Overall rating: 79/100
TRANSFERS:
Ins: Peter Dooley, Joey Carbery
Dates: Rabah Slimani, Ed Byrne, Jerry Cahir, John McKee, Will Connors, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley, Rieko Ioane, James Lowe, Mahon Ronan