James Ryan and Hugo Keenan back in Leinster team to face Ulster

James Ryan and Hugo Keenan have been named in the Leinster side to take on Ulster in tomorrow's URC clash in Belfast (7.35pm).

The Ireland internationals return from arm and hip injuries, respectively, for the round-17 clash, which comes seven days before their Investec Champions Cup final against Toulouse in London.

Captain Ryan has not played since the Six Nations, while full-back Keenan’s last game came against Leicester Tigers in April.

Tommy O’Brien and Rob Russell are named on the wings for Leo Cullen's side, who sit second in the table after last weekend's big win over Ospreys.

In the centre, Jimmy O’Brien and Charlie Ngatai join forces, with O’Brien featuring in the centre for the first time this season.

Cormac Foley starts his first domestic game of 2024, having returned from injury last month in South Africa and is partnered in the half-backs by Harry Byrne.

In the pack, Cian Healy, Rónan Kelleher and Michael Ala’alatoa form a formidable front row, while Ryan is joined in the second row by Brian Deeny.

In the back row, Max Deegan, Will Connors and Jack Conan complete the pack.

Among the replacements, there is a blend of experience and youth, with the likes of Ross Molony, Luke McGrath and academy back Ben Brownlee set to feature.

For Ulster, lock Alan O’Connor (above) continues to captain the team, joining Kieran Treadwell in the second row.

Up top, the front row sees one change from last week’s victory over Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets.

Tom O’Toole returns from injury at tighthead prop, where he is joined by hooker, Rob Herring, and Eric O’Sullivan at loosehead prop.

The back row remains unchanged, with Cormac Izuchukwu keeping his place at blindside flanker, David McCann on the openside and Nick Timoney at eight.

John