Leinster have named their side for their first interprovincial clash against Ulster on New Year's Day.
Leinster v Ulster will kick-off at 5.15pm and will be live on RTE, ViaPlay and URC.tv
Here's a reminder in case you missed the team news for both sides.
Leinster News:
Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has named Leinster prospect Sam Prendergast as his starting outhalf for the tie against Ulster in a sold-out RDS Arena.
Prendergast, an Ireland U-20 Grand Slam winner, starts alongside Jamison Gibson-Park, the scrumhalf.
Rob Russell starts at fullback. Jimmy O’Brien and Tommy O’Brien start on the wings. Robbie Henshaw and Liam Turner come into the centre.
Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, and Thomas Clarkson start in the front row, with Jason Jenkins and captain James Ryan packing down behind them.
Ryan Baird, Will Connors, and Caelan Doris complete the pack.
Speaking ahead of the game, Assistant Coach Robin McBryde said Ulster will provide a stern test.
“We have got to be at our best. It’s as simple as that. If you look at recent results, they have been close matches. Ulster has too many good players not to be threatening. It’s no surprise how well they have done in recent weeks.”
Leinster Rugby team:
Backs
15.Jimmy O’Brien - Fullback
14.Tommy O’Brien - 11. Wing, Rob Russell - Wing
13.Liam Turner - Centre, 12.Robbie Henshaw - Centre
10.Sam Prendergast - Flyhalf, 9.Jamison Gibson-Park - Scrumhalf
Forwards
1.Cian Healy - Prop (Loosehead), 2. Dan Sheehan - Hooker, 3. Thomas Clarkson - Prop (Tighthead)
4. Jason Jenkins - Lock, 5. James Ryan (CAPTAIN) - Lock
6. Ryan Baird - Flanker, 7. Will Connors - Flanker, 8. Caelan Doris - Number Eight
Replacements:
Lee Barron - Hooker, Jack Boyle - Prop Michael Ala’alatoa - Prop Joe McCarthy - Lock Jack Conan - Back Row Luke McGrath - Scrumhalf Harry Byrne - Flyhalf Josh van der Flier - Flanker
𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘆'𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. 💪
Having been unavailable since November through injury, Tommy O'Brien is back in the starting 15 to face Ulster on New Year's Day. 🙌#LEIvULS #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/Jly8mDf1YU— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 29, 2023
Ulster News
Dan McFarland has also named his Ulster side for the game in the RDS Arena.
World Cup-winning Springbok Steven Kitshoff starts alongside returning hooker, Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole at tighthead prop in the front row. Kieran Treadwell and club captain Iain Henderson retain their places in the second row.
Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, and Nick Timoney complete the front pack from the back row.
John Cooney starts at scrum-half and is partnered by Billy Burns at ten.
Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune retain their places at left and right wings. Will Addison retains his place at full-back.
Stuart McCloskey starts at inside centre and is joined by Luke Marshall at 13 to complete the starting XV.
Ulster Rugby team:
Backs
15.Will Addison - Fullback
14.Rob Baloucoune - Wing 11.Jacob Stockdale, Wing
13.Luke Marshall, - Centre, 12.Stuart McCloskey - Centre
10.Billy Burns - Flyhalf, 9. John Cooney - Scrumhalf
Forwards
1. Steven Kitshoff - Prop (Loosehead) 2. Rob Herring - Hooker 3. Tom O’Toole - Prop (Tighthead)
4. Kieran Treadwell - Lock 5. Iain Henderson - Lock
6. Matty Rea - Flanker 7. Sean Reffell - Flanker 8. Nick Timoney - Number Eight
Replacements:
Tom Stewart, Hooker,Andy Warwick - Prop, Scott Wilson - Prop, Alan O’Connor - Lock, Dave Ewers - Back Row, Nathan Doak - Scrumhalf, Mike Lowry - Flyhalf, Jude Postlethwaite - Back Row
🚨 Team News
Nothing like an Interpro derby to kick off the new year 💥
Your Ulster side to take on @leinsterrugby at the RDS Arena 😤 pic.twitter.com/UbuDrQfkbH— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 29, 2023
