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McFadden Returns To Leinster Team

After the Captain’s Run this morning, Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has announced his team to play Ulster in Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 derby clash at the RDS (kick-off 2.40pm).

There are five personnel changes to the Leinster side that lost to Munster at Thomond Park, with captain Jamie Heaslip and a host of other internationals returning to the fold.

Four of those changes are in the pack with Jack McGrath and Mike Ross starting in the front row. Richardt Strauss continues as the starting hooker.

Devin Toner comes back into the second row to partner Mike McCarthy, while in the back row Heaslip starts at number 8 which means a move to blindside flanker for Jack Conan. Shane Jennings remains in place at openside.

In the backs, there is only one switch which sees the fit-again Fergus McFadden start on the right wing in place of Darragh Fanning. McFadden had surgery on a thumb injury after the game against the Ospreys in round 9 of the PRO12. Dave Kearney is selected on the left wing, with Springbok Zane Kirchner at full-back.

Gordon D’Arcy, who won his 250th Leinster cap against Munster, starts at inside centre with Luke Fitzgerald outside him in the number 13 jersey. Finally, Isaac Boss and Ian Madigan are once again the starting half-backs.

There is also a place in the matchday 23 for the returning Ben Te’o (pictured above), who is available for the first time since fracturing his forearm during his debut against Edinburgh in October.

The inteprovincial game against Ulster is sold out and with gates open from 1.10pm, supporters are urged to come early for the 2.40pm kick-off and to make themselves heard at a packed RDS.

LEINSTER (v Ulster): Zane Kirchner; Fergus McFadden, Luke Fitzgerald, Gordon D’Arcy, Dave Kearney; Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Jack Conan, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip (capt).

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Michael Bent, Tadhg Furlong, Kane Douglas, Jordi Murphy, Luke McGrath, Jimmy Gopperth, Ben Te’o.