Johnny Sexton's last season to get going in Belfast on Friday night

For Sexton it is the first step of what is his last season as a player after confirmation earlier this year that he would be hanging up his boots after Ireland's World Cup campaign in France in late 2023.

FAREWELL SEASON: Johnny Sexton. ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Johnny Sexton, James Ryan and Jack Conan are all set to make their season debuts for Leinster away to Ulster on Friday night.

Conan has been drafted straight into Leo Cullen’s starting XV for the BTK United Rugby Championship tie at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium with Sexton and Ryan detailed to make appearances off the bench.