This has reduced their senior squad size from 46 to 43 and their test player count from 32 to 27. Despite losing 6 test players have only been able to recruit Joey Carbery (who never became first choice elsewhere) and Peter Dooley (fifth choice loosehead at Connacht). The bottom line is that Leinster are being set up to fail this year, even if failure, by their standards, means mid-table mediocrity. The squad is aging, and no new Leinster players made their debuts for Ireland in 2026. Prediction: Leinster to start badly but qualify for the play-offs in the URC and Champion’s cup without winning anything.