URC team news: Boost for Ireland as Ross Byrne makes Leinster return

Ross Byrne will make his Leinster comeback against Benetton tomorrow after recovering from an arm injury.

The Ireland out-half has been out of action since the end of November, when he suffered the injury against Munster.

His return for the top-of-the-table clash against the Italian side will also boost Ireland head coach Andy Farrell's options ahead of Saturday week’s Guinness Six Nations round three match against Wales.

The last of Byrne’s 22 caps came against Tonga at the World Cup. Ciaran Frawley, who had initially been released from Ireland camp, was recalled for international training.

Meanwhile, academy full-back Henry McErlean will make his Leinster debut in the BKT URC round ten match at the RDS tomorrow [3pm, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player].

He was part of the Ireland team that won last year’s Under-20 Six Nations.

Tommy O’Brien and Rob Russell are named on the wings, with Liam Turner and a returning Jamie Osborne partnering each other in the centre.

For the first time this season, Byrne and Luke McGrath partner each other in the half-backs.

The duo have over a combined 350 Leinster caps.

In the pack, Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson pack down either side of Lee Barron in the front row. Ross Molony and Jason Jenkins are named in the second row.

Captain Scott Penny is joined in the back row by Will Connors and Max Deegan.

In the replacements, John McKee returns for the first time since sustaining an injury in the season opener against Glasgow Warriors, while Ben Brownlee is in line for his first appearance of the season.

Leinster: Henry McErlean; Tommy O'Brien, Liam Turner, Jamie Osborne, Rob Russell; Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath; Jack Boyle, Lee Barron, Thomas Clarkson; Ross Molony, Jason Jenkins; Will Connors, Scott Penny (capt),