Sexton returns as Leinster name team to face Montpellier

The Irish international has recovered from a hamstring injury in time to earn his 130th Leinster cap.

Leo Cullen has made six changes to the starting XV which beat Castres 33-15 last week, and there are also new additions to the bench.

Mike McCarthy has returned to the second row after his foot injury, while Cian Healy, James Tracy and Mike Ross have all come into the front row.

Leinster fans will be delighted to see Sean O'Brien returning to the starting fifteen after a lengthy layoff, and he will play at number six in France on Sunday.

Montpellier lost 16-14 to Northampton last time out, but Leinster have failed to win in their last five games on the road.

However, the French side have yet to defeat Leinster in the European Cup.

Here is the Leinster starting XV.

15. Rob Kearney

14. Zane Kirchner

13. Garry Ringrose

12. Robbie Henshaw

11. Isa Nacewa (C)

10. Johnny Sexton

9.  Luke McGrath

1.  Cian Healy

2.  James Tracy

3.  Mike Ross

4.  Devin Toner

5.  Mike McCarthy

6.  Sean O'Brien

7.  Josh van der Flier

8.  Jamie Heaslip