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Leinster’s ultimate shape-shifter: Why Dan Sheehan is Leo Cullen’s new No 8

Blues head coach embraces modern ‘anything goes’ approach by naming star hooker in back-row in unexpected selection twist…

Irish Independent

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 4:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Dan Sheehan will start in the back-row at No 8 for Leinster against Munster.
Head coach Leo Cullen selected the star hooker in an unexpected tactical move away from the front row.
The selection highlights Leinster's flexible and modern approach to squad positioning.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named star hooker Dan Sheehan in the back-row for their upcoming match against Munster. The unexpected positional change sees Sheehan moving away from his standard front-row responsibilities to take on the No 8 role in the fixture.

The strategic shift highlights Cullen's willingness to embrace a versatile approach to squad selection. The article notes that the tactical discussions regarding Sheehan's development date back to Leinster's Champions Cup quarter-final victory over Sale Sharks.

Read the full article on Irish Independent

Leinster’s ultimate shape-shifter: Why Dan Sheehan is Leo Cullen’s new No 8

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