LEINSTER’S GREATEST XV OF THE PRO ERA

15 ROB KEARNEY

The most decorated player in Irish rugby history, Kearney was part of Leinster’s three previous European successes and is playing as well as ever this season. Provides impeccable security at the back as well as pace and power in attack. A class act. Notable mention: Girvan Dempsey

14 ISA NACEWA

The finest overseas signing to come to Ireland, Nacewa has been a beacon of excellence through his two stints with Leinster. As well as natural leadership, dazzling footwork, speed and an astute footballing brain make Nacewa the complete package. Notable mentions: Shane Horgan, Fergus McFadden

13 BRIAN O’DRISCOLL

Who else? Ireland’s greatest player was hugely committed to the Leinster cause and an inspiration in their success under Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt.

Notable mention: Garry Ringrose

12 GORDON D’ARCY

Started off in the back three under Mike Ruddock before being given his chance in midfield by Gary Ella and he developed into one of the best centres Leinster and Ireland have seen.

Notable mention: Robbie Henshaw

11 LUKE FITZGERALD

Consistent injury complications could not suppress a sparkling talent that shone gloriously for province and country. Lethal pace and lightning feet made him a constant threat. Notable mention: Denis Hickie

10 JOHNNY SEXTON

Had to bide his time behind Felipe Contepomi but since he broke through after the Argentinian’s injury in 2009, Sexton has been the biggest single influence on Leinster’s subsequent European success. A worldclass out-half who has got better with age. Notable mentions: Felipe Contepomi, Ian Madigan

9 EOIN REDDAN

The former Munster and Wasps scrum-half excelled under Joe Schmidt and played a key role in the 2011 and 2012 Euro triumphs. Brought calm authority and intelligence to his role and was defined by his consistency. Notable mentions: Chris Whitaker, Luke McGrath

1 CIAN HEALY

A starter in all three of Leinster’s European Cup final triumphs and playing better than ever as he pursues his fourth, Healy combines scrummaging power with relentless workrate and ferocious impact in the loose. Notable mentions: Jack McGrath, Heinke van der Merwe, Reggie Corrigan

2 RICHARDT STRAUSS

The diminutive South African was sensational in 2011-12, dependable at the set-piece and phenomenal in the loose. Shane Byrne was a tremendous servant for the province and Sean Cronin has come through as a major player but Strauss gets the nod for his contribution to those two titles. Notable mentions: Sean Cronin, Shane Byrne, Bernard Jackman

5 BRAD THORN 3 TADHG FURLONG

Has only established himself over the last couple of seasons and has no European Cup title to his name, yet, but Furlong’s impact has been such that the Wexford man is already being talked about as the greatest tighthead this country has produced. A phenomenal force. Notable mentions: Mike Ross, Stan Wright, Paul Wallace

4 LEO CULLEN

Led his province to three European Cups and now hopes to do the same as head coach, Cullen was the rock the great Leinster pack of the late 2000s was built around with an all-round ability that deserved more than the 15 starts he got for Ireland. Notable mention: Nathan Hines

Only played a handful of games during his short stay at the province but the impression the All Black World Cupwinner made is still talked about to this day. One of the game’s great second rows, Thorn possessed a presence few could come close to matching.

Notable mention: Malcolm O’Kelly

6 ROCKY ELSOM

Battered and barely able to train, the giant Australian hit Superman mode during his one-season stay, driving Leinster to their first European title. Elsom set the bar so high he was never able to hit those levels when he returned to Australia. Notable mentions: Scott Fardy, Kevin McLaughlin

7 SEAN O’BRIEN

There is stiff competition for the No7 jersey in this team, with current candidates Dan Leavy and Josh van der Flier on the path to greatness, and quality operators like Keith Gleeson and Shane Jennings excelling in the past. However, O’Brien has been a figurehead for Leinster for 10 years, inspiring teammates and tormenting opponents. Notable mentions: Shane Jennings, Keith Gleeson

8 JAMIE HEASLIP

A constant source of elite excellence from the time he broke through into the Leinster team in the mid-2000s, Heaslip’s professionalism, durability, industry and skill set impeccable standards for others to aspire to. Notable mention: Victor Costello