Longstanding Andrew Porter rumour proves true as Leinster make interesting call
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One of the longest-running selection rumours surrounding Andrew Porter has finally become reality.
The Ireland international will wear the No.3 jersey when Leinster open their URC campaign against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, with Leo Cullen opting to move Porter back across the scrum.
It is a significant change for a player who has become synonymous with the loosehead position for both Leinster and Ireland.
Porter has spent the last five seasons wearing No.1 and has established himself as one of the most important members of the Irish pack, while also starting all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against Australia last summer.
But a possible move back across the front row has been discussed for some time.
Leinster have now decided to test it.
The interesting part is that tighthead is far from unfamiliar territory for Porter. He originally broke into the Leinster senior team at No.3 and played there for the opening years of his career before switching sides ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Saturday will mark a return to those roots.
And with the 2027 Rugby World Cup now just over a year away, Saturday’s selection will inevitably raise questions about whether there is a bigger picture in mind.
Ireland’s front-row depth has changed considerably over the last 12 months, most notably through the emergence of Paddy McCarthy at loosehead and Tom O’Toole’s successful move across the scrum.
It was reported earlier this year that the Ireland coaching team ideally viewed O’Toole’s long-term future at loosehead, with Porter potentially moving in the opposite direction.
Porter returning to tighthead could therefore offer Andy Farrell another option as Ireland begin the final stretch towards the World Cup in Australia, particularly with Tadhg Furlong now 33.
Leinster: Todd Lawlor, Tommy O’Brien, Hugh Cooney, Charlie Tector, Andrew Osborne, Caspar Gabriel, Fintan Gunne, Alex Usanov, Gus McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Max Deegan (CAPT), Scott Penny, Josh Ericson
Replacements: Stephen Smyth, Peter Dooley, Niall Smyth, Brian Deeney, Dylan McNeice, Oliver Coffey, Harry Byrne, Ciarán Mangan
