Andrew Trimble back but Ulster face tough task

The swings and roundabouts of the IRFU player welfare programme turn differently for Ulster and Leinster ahead of the second instalment of the festive Guinness PRO12 interprovincial programme.

Ulster had a fair smattering of internationals on board when they accounted for Connacht in Belfast last Friday, while Leinster were shy of a number of big guns when Munster put them to the sword on St Stephen’s Day.

However, it’s looking likely that the shoe will be on the other foot this Saturday as Leinster are set to welcome back their marquee players with Jamie Heaslip, Devin Toner, Jack McGrath, Sean O’Brien, Josh van der Flier, Luke McGrath, and Seán Cronin likely to be let loose at the RDS.