O’Driscoll And Cullen Return For Leinster

Brian O’Driscoll will make his first appearance for the province after making significant progress in recent weeks following injury. He will partner fellow Ireland international Fergus McFadden at centre for the visit of the Welsh side.

Isaac Boss links up with Ian Madigan at half-back with David Kearney forming a lively back-three alongside Luke Fitzgerald, who is set to make his 99th provincial appearance, and full-back Isa Nacewa.

Up front, Leo Cullen will captain the side for the first time since January after recovering from Achilles surgery.

Cullen will pack down with All Black World Cup winner Brad Thorn who makes his debut after signing a short-term deal with the province recently.

Rhys Ruddock joins fellow Leinster Academy graduate Dominic Ryan as well as number 8 Leo Auva’a in the back row.

Sean Cronin is one of eight Irish-qualified players named on the bench including the likes of Kevin McLaughlin and Eoin O’Malley.

Ticket sales for Friday’s game have passed the 17,300 mark and are still on sale online here, and from the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) as well as Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Supporters are advised to use public transport as there are a number of other functions taking place around the RDS on Friday.

Meanwhile, there are just 24 hours left for Leinster Season Ticket holders who wish to renew to keep their seats for 2012/13 season.

Already over 6,300 supporters have renewed for next season and to renew just log into your account on www.leinsterrugby.ie and choose the payment option.

LEINSTER (v Ospreys): Isa Nacewa; David Kearney, Brian O’Driscoll, Fergus McFadden, Luke Fitzgerald; Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Heinke van der Merwe, Richardt Strauss, Nathan White, Leo Cullen (capt), Brad Thorn, Rhys Ruddock, Dominic Ryan, Leo Auva’a.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Jamie Hagan, Damian Browne, Kevin McLaughlin, John Cooney, Eoin O’Malley, Fionn Carr.