Isa Nacewa has been confirmed as Leinster’s new Club Captain on a permanent basis.
Leo Cullen has installed the returning Kiwi as skipper, having taken on the role during the World Cup, after Kevin McLaughlin’s retirement.
Jamie Heaslip and Johnny Sexton will be vice-captains for the season ahead.
Meanwhile, Sexton will start for Leinster for the first time since returning from Racing Metro this summer in Sunday’s Pro 12 clash with Benetton Treviso in Italy.
The Irish out-half returns to Dublin 4, having moved to France at the end of the 2012/2013 season. He had been an injury doubt, having missed Ireland’s World Cup quarter final defeat to Argentina earlier this month with an adductor injury.
Sexton starts in the half back line, alongside Eoin Reddan, who also makes his first start of the season.
Nacewa skippers the side from full back, with Fergus McFadden and Dave Kearney on the wings.
Luke Fitzgerald comes into the centre, alongside Ben Te'o.
Up front, Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Tadhg Furlong all start in a brand new-looking front row.
But there’s a new face in the second row.
Kiwi lock Hayden Triggs makes his debut alongside Mike McCarthy.
Rhys Ruddock starts again in the back row, alongside Jordi Murphy and Jack Conan.
Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy and Devin Toner all start the game on the bench.
Leinster face Benetton Treviso in the PRO12 on Sunday, with kick off at 3pm.
LEINSTER:
15. Isa Nacewa CAPTAIN
14. Fergus McFadden
13. Ben Te'o
12. Luke Fitzgerald
11. Dave Kearney
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Eoin Reddan
1. Jack McGrath
2. Sean Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Hayden Triggs
5. Mike McCarthy
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Jordi Murphy
8. Jack Conan
16. Richardt Strauss
17. Cian Healy
18. Marty Moore
19. Devin Toner
20. Josh van der Flier
21. Luke McGrath
22. Cathal Marsh
23. Noel Reid
