Two-time British & Irish Lion Rob Kearney will have the chance to prove his fitness for the upcoming Six Nations when he captains Leinster in the PRO14.
The 32-year-old full-back has been out with a leg problem but returns to lead Leinster against the Scarlets and try to force his way into Joe Schmidt’s Ireland side for the Championship opener against England in Dublin next week.
Kearney, a Lion in 2009 and 2013, will be joined by 2017 tourist Jack McGrath, who is continuing his comeback from injury.
Having recently recovered from hip surgery, McGrath will start for the second week running and will be hopeful of earning a spot in the matchday 23 for the England clash.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “I’ve no restrictions on Rob Kearney or Jack McGrath this week in terms of minutes.
“Jack got 45 minutes last week and coming back from injury, especially for a tight five forward, getting time on the field is important.
“Rob has been unlucky since missing out on a couple of weeks and it is a good chance to showcase his skills with some big games coming up. He has come through training well.”
