Dan McFarland: Leinster 'plying people from rich families through schools and bursaries'

Cullen has led Leinster to a three-in-a-row of PRO14 titles beating Ulster in last season’s decider in September

Ulster coach Dan McFarland: 'When guys like Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan and Alan O’Connor or Jordi (Murphy) run out with a white jersey on they are Ulster men, plain and simple.' Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland has raised the heat ahead of Friday night’s PRO14 showdown with Leinster, highlighting some of the privileges and advantages the dominant Irish province enjoy over their domestic rivals.

When asked if he felt sorry for his opposite number Leo Cullen because of the number of ex-Leinster players he has to face in inter-pros, McFarland snapped back: “Are you joking?”