Leinster welcome back O’Kelly

MALCOLM O’KELLY is named in the Leinster side to face Connacht in the Magners League at Donnybrook this afternoon (5.15pm).

O’Kelly returns to the Leinster pack after a month-long lay-off and will partner Trevor Hogan, a second-half replacement in Ireland’s 51-24 victory over Italy last weekend. Hogan is also joined in the side by international colleagues Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey and Denis Hickie.

Vacancies have been left at inside centre and out-half with one from Christian Warner, Gordon D’Arcy, Felipe Contepomi and Jonathan Sexton due to drop to the bench and one other out of the panel. On the replacements bench, a decision will be made closer to kick off on the reserve prop and outside back replacements.