Consistent: Isa Nacewa

Club name Leinster

- 2010/11 Season Preview -

Last season So close yet so far was the story for the Dubliners as a Heineken Cup semi-final exit and defeat in the Magners League final left something of a sour taste in the mouth. It was also Michael Cheika's last term at the helm before his move to Paris so it was a disappointing end to his five-year spell at Leinster - even if they did very well to make Europe's final four after losing to London Irish in Round One. However, it paints a picture of what Cheika brought to the RDS in his stint that they would be unhappy not to lift any silverware. Not a bad season at all for Leinster.

This season Like the other teams in Pool 2, Leinster will find European life very difficult alongside Clermont, Saracens and Racing-Metro. Quite simply this is the 'group of death' as the French champions meet finalists from England and the Magners League and it is very possible that 2010/11's competition winner could come from this Pool. The Dubliners have brought in a decent trio for the new season in Ed O'Donoghue, Isaac Boss and Heinke van der Merwe to replace the retired Mal O'Kelly, Chris Whitaker and now Cheetah CJ van der Linde. A promising year indeed.

Coach: Joe Schmidt coached Bay of Plenty in 2003/2004. While at the Steamers he won the Ranfurly Shield with victory over Auckland and enjoyed one successful title defence before losing to Canterbury. Schmidt joined Auckland Blues in 2004 and stayed there for three years, his final year saw the side knocked out in the semis. He then joined Clermont and finished Top 14 runners-up twice before winning the coveted title in 2010.

Captain: It's another campaign as leader for Leo Cullen in 2010/11 and he has been doing a stand-up job since he made the move from Leicester back in 2007. Cullen was born in Dublin which makes his job extra special to the 32-year-old, who combines well with Brian O'Driscoll.

One to watch: With so many Ireland starters in their back-line, much more responsibility will be laid at the door of Shane Horgan and Isa Nacewa this season. The former was arguably getting back to his best form in the second part of 2009/10 while the versatility of Nacewa will be key.

In: Ed O'Donoghue (Ulster), Isaac Boss (Ulster), Heinke van der Merwe (Golden Lions), Joe Schmidt - Head Coach (Clermont Auvergne).

Out:CJ van der Linde (Cheetahs), Simon Keogh (Released), Chris Keane (Released) Malcolm O'Kelly (Retired), Girvan Dempsey (Retired), Bernard Jackman (Retired), Michael Cheika - Head Coach (Stade Francais), Chris Whittaker - Team Manager (Stade Francais), Alan Gaffney - Backs Coach (IRFU), Kurt McQuilkin - Defence Coach (Retired), Kyle Tonetti (Sale Sharks).

Home ground: Royal Dublin Society - capacity of 18,500

Travel connections: By train you would take the Dublin DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) service also operates from the City Centre to Ballsbridge. By bus take the RDS is serviced by bus routes number 7, 5 and 45, which stop outside the Main Hall Entrance to the stadium on Merrion Road. These bus services can be availed of on Nassau Street outside Trinity College. Outside Trinity College, take Nassau Street (N11) for about 150 metres then turn right following the signposts for the R118. Follow the R118 (also locally known Mount Street; turns into Merrion Road) for around 2km. The RDS Showgrounds will be situated on the right-hand side.