Strauss returns for showdown with Ulster

Richardt Strauss has recovered from the ankle injury which kept him out of the Six Nations and is named in the Leinster starting XV for tomorrow’s derby encounter with Ulster at the RDS (6.15pm).

Cian Healy and Mike Ross complete a strong front row for the province.

In the engine room Devin Toner, a second half replacement last weekend, partners Quinn Roux at lock with skipper Leo Cullen named among the replacements.

Jamie Heaslip, meanwhile, leads the team and features in an experienced back-row alongside Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin.

Rob Kearney returns to the backline, joining his brother Dave and Isa Nacewa in the back three.

Dubliner Brendan Macken, on his 24th senior appearance, gets the chance to form a midfield partnership with Leinster’s most capped player Gordon D’Arcy who will line out for the 219th occasion on Saturday.

Isaac Boss continues at half back alongside the league’s top points scorer Ian Madigan who has scored 149 points in 18 games to date.

Leinster (v. Ulster): R Kearney; D Kearney, B Macken, G D’Arcy, I Nacewa; I Madigan, I Boss; C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross; D Toner, Q Roux; K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Heaslip (capt).

Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, J Hagan, L Cullen, R Ruddock, J Cooney, A Goodman, A Conway.