McLaughlin names squad to face Leinster

Ulster coach Brain McLaughlin has named a 24-man squad for Ulster's St Stephen’s Day date with Leinster in the Magner's League at The RDS (kick off: 5.30pm).

McLaughlin said: "Leinster at the RDS, the European champions, it's a smashing opportunity for us to learn from the things we didn't do well at the weekend and to try, and improve on them.

“They will test us, but we have to go there with a positive mind frame and know that if we turn up on the day, we are also a strong, competent side.

"That is what professional rugby is all about, you've got to look at what you did well and what you did poorly, and you've got to improve week by week. We played some good rugby in Paris, but until we get that consistency away from home, we've just got to keep plugging away until we get it going.

"We know that Leinster will be ready for us, especially after we gained the home victory over them last time we met."

ULSTER SQUAD (v Leinster):

FORWARDS: Declan Fitzpatrick, Bryan Young, BJ Botha, Nigel Brady, Andy Kyriacou, Ed O'Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Ryan Caldwell, Chris Henry, David Pollock, Willie Faloon, TJ Anderson;

BACKS: Jamie Smith, Clinton Schifcofske, Simon Danielli, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Timoci Nagusa, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Isaac Boss, Paul Marshall, Cillian Willis, Jonny Shiells.