Garry Ringrose set for Leinster return against Ulster

Garry Ringrose is in line for a first Leinster appearance since January ahead of their BKT URC quarter-final against Ulster on Saturday (5pm).

The province said the 29-year-old centre is "available for selection" and expected to return to full training this week after suffering a shoulder injury four months ago.

Club captain Ringrose did make an appearance for Ireland as a late replacement in their Six Nations win over Scotland in March but missed out on Leinster's URC regular season and Champions Cup run-ins.

The Ireland international (below) had been expected back at various stages over the last number of weeks but has stepped up his recovery and consulted with a specialist last week.

"He's been out training, going through those different protocols, return-to-play, so it’s been great to see him, step by step going through those," assistant coach Andrew Goodman told RTÉ Sport.

"His energy has been out there for a couple of weeks now but the red bib starts to come off as he gets through more contact.

"He really enjoys the defensive side of the game.

"There’s no mental issues there in terms of rehab, it’s more the actual shoulder structure and making sure that’s pain-free and sound before he gets back into it."

Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan said it's great to have Ringrose back in contention as Leinster look to finish the season on a high with a first URC win in three years, starting with their quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

He said: "He's been great over this whole time that he’s been injured; he’s been real supportive and involved and it's good to have someone like him back training and showing his standards because he’s a top-quality player."

Elsewhere, back row forward Jack Conan was withdrawn as a precaution at