Leinster’s Murphy ruled out of Ulster clash

Leinster back rower Jordi Murphy is the only casualty from the weekend’s 22-17 victory over Glasgow Warriors as the province gear up for a crucial RaboDirect PRO12 interprovincial meeting with third place Ulster at the RDS on Saturday (6.15pm).

Murphy suffered a hand injury in the win over Glasgow and the setback may see him miss the next 4 or 5 weeks.

But apart from bumps and bruises there were no other fresh injuries from what was a highly combative top of the table clash at the RDS last Saturday.

David Kearney received on field attention for a dislocated finger but the Cooley Peninsula outside back finished the game and is expected to be joined in the panel this week by his elder brother Rob and several other Ireland internationals.

Amongst the possible returnees for Saturday's interprovincial derby are Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and Mike Ross while the province is hopeful that Fergus McFadden (rib) will also be available for selection.

Gordon D'Arcy and Quinn Roux both successfully came through their respective comebacks after injury on Saturday. Second row Tom Denton is also available for selection.

The team will be named at midday on Friday.