D’Arcy’s return comes as timely boost for Leinster

GORDON D’Arcy is back in the Leinster fold after injury to help the former Celtic League champions against the Borders this weekend.

Leinster have been devastated by defections to the Irish squad and by injury and D'Arcy's return will be a most welcome development for coach Gary Ella.

D'Arcy replaces the injured Brendan Burke at full-back to help alleviate the problem.

In the second row, Aidan Kearney steps in for the injured Leo Cullen who is likely to face an operation on a damaged shoulder later this week. In Cullen's absence Shane Jennings takes over the captaincy.

The only other change from the 22 that represented the province in their victory over Connacht last weekend sees James O'Donovan coming into the reserves for Kearney.

Ulster take on Edinburgh at Meadowbank this Friday night in the Celtic League and Alan Solomons' starting XV show a number of changes from the team thatwhich defeated the Celtic Warriors at Ravenhill last week.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll is one of six players nominated for the International Rugby Player of the Year award, with Ireland also nominated for the team of the year award.

The lists are, however, dominated by New Zealand players and the category winners will be announced in Sydney on November 18.

Previous winners of the International Player Of The Year are Australia's George Gregan (2001) and England's Jonny Wilkinson (2002).

The POTY nominees are: Doug Howlett (New Zealand), Richard McCaw (New Zealand), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), Carlos Spencer (New Zealand), Jonny Wilkinson (England).

The nominees for the Newcomer of the year are: Jerry Collins (NZ), Keven Mealamu (NZ), Joe Rokocoko (NZ), Juan Smith (South Africa), Lote Tuqiri (Australia), Ashwin Willemse (South Africa).

The team of the year nominees: Argentina, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand.

Fixtures:

Friday: The Borders v Leinster Lions, Netherdale, 7.30; Bridgend/Pontypridd v Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Blues v Neath/Swansea, Connacht v Llanelli, Edinburgh Rugby v Ulster, Munster v Glasgow Rugby, Musgrave Park, 7.30.

ULSTER: B. Cunningham, J. Topping, R. Constable, S. Stewart, T. Howe, A. Larkin, K. Campbell, B. Young, P. Shields, R. Moore, M. Mustchin, M. McCullough, A. Ward, N. Best

LEINSTER: G. D'Arcy, J. McWeeney, J. Downey, D. Quinlan, G. Browne, M. Leek, B. O'Meara, E. Byrne, G. Hickie, P. Coyle, A. Kearney, B. Gissing, N. Breslin, S. Jennings (Capt), D. Dillon.

Replacements: N. Treston, D. Blaney, J. O'Donovan, N. Ronan, B. O'Riordan, P. McKenna, D. O'Shea.

CONNACHT (v Llanelli): M. McHugh; M. Mostyn, D. Yapp, T. Allnutt, C. McPhillips; E. Elwood, M. Walls; R. Hogan, B. Jackman, F. Boiroux; D. Browne, A. Farley; P. Neville, T. Carter, J. O'Sullivan.

Replacements: J. Fogarty, A. Clarke, M. McCarthy, M. Swift, C. O'Loughlin, D. Hewitt, S. Moore.