O’Driscoll back in Leinster squad to face Ulster

Brian O’Driscoll has been named in the Leinster squad for the first time this season for the side’s St. Stephens’ Day trip to face Ulster at Ravenhill.

O'Driscoll hasn't played since the first Lions Test in Christchurch in June.

There had been reports that the Irish captain was suffering from back spasms and would need to be rested until the New Year's Eve clash with Munster, but Blues coach Michael Cheika said as far as he knew, O'Driscoll was fine.

He is included in a strong line up that includes Gordon D’Arcy, Shane Horgan, Malcolm O’Kelly and Felipe Contepomi.

Leinster squad to face Ulster: Forwards (15): Ronan McCormack, Reggie Corrigan, David Blaney, Brian Blaney, Will Green, Emmett Byrne, Adam Byrnes, Bryce Williams, Ben Gissing, Malcolm O’Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Niall Ronan, Keith Gleeson, Eric Miller, Jamie Heaslip.

Backs (13): Brian O’Riordan, Guy Easterby, John Hepworth, Gary Brown, Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Felipe Contepomi, Gordon D’Arcy, Kieran Lewis, Brian O’Driscoll, Eoghan Hickey, Girvan Dempsey, Brendan Burke.

Referee: George Clancy (IRFU).