Heaslip returns for Leinster

Jamie Heaslip returns to a much-changed Leinster side for the Pro 12 clash against Ulster at the RDS on New Year's Eve.

Heaslip is one of a number of internationals to return to the Leinster starting XV, alongside Garry Ringrose, Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Devin Toner, Sean O’Brien and Josh van der Flier.

However, there is no place for out-half Johnny Sexton, who continues what Ireland coach Joe Schmidt describes as an "extended break from the game" following a hamstring injury.

Adam Byrne, who missed the St Stephen's Day 29-17 defeat to leaders Munster at Thomond Park through illness, comes in on the right wing, with Ringrose starting at centre. Noel Reid comes in at No 12, while Luke McGrath partners Ross Byrne in the half backs.

Captain Isa Nacewa moves from the wing to full back, while Rory O'Loughlin moves from centre to the left wing.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has selected a completely new forward line, with McGrath, Cronin and Michael Bent making up an all-Ireland international front row.

Toner and Hayden Triggs make up the second row, with O'Brien, van der Flier and Heaslip in the back row.

Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss has made seven changes from the side that beat Connacht 23-7 at the Kingspan Stadium on 23 December.

Andrew Trimble returns after recovering from a foot injury sustained while on international duty in November, while Paul Marshall, Darren Cave and Tommy Bowe, substitutes against Connacht last Friday, are also selected in the backline.

Ruan Pienaar moves to fly-half to accommodate Marshall at scrum-half, while Cave will partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield. Rob Herring, Franco van der Merwe and Sean Reidy come into the pack, with Herring skippering the side from hooker.

Leinster: Isa Nacewa, Adam Byrne, Garry Ringrose, Noel Reid, Rory O’Loughlin, Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath, Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Michael Bent, Devin Toner, Hayden Triggs, Sean O’Brien, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Andrew Porter, Jeremy Loughman, Mick Kearney, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Tom Daly, Zane Kirchner.

Ulster: C Piutau, A Trimble, D Cave, S McCloskey, T Bowe, R Pienaar, P Marshall; A Warwick, R Herring (captain), R Ah You, K Treadwell, F van der Merwe, C Ross, S Reidy, R Wilson;

Replacements: J Andrew, C Black, J Simpson, P Browne, C Henry, B Herron, L Ludik, J Stockdale.

Photo (Inpho/ Ryan Byrne)

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