Rugby Fixtures: Ulster coach Mark McCall will be able to choose from an ostensibly full-strength squad for Friday night's Magners Celtic League game against Leinster at Ravenhill. The only notable absentee is tighthead prop Simon Best who is enjoying a period of rest following his health scare at the Rugby World Cup with Ireland.
David Humphreys returns to the senior panel for the first time this season after successfully confirming his recovery from an ankle injury by playing in the A interprovincial between the respective provinces at Anglesea Road last Friday night.
McCall is faced with an interesting decision with regard to the outhalf role. In previous seasons Humphreys has been first choice, a primacy that Paddy Wallace will be keen to challenge. Others who will be keen for a seasonal competitive bow on Friday night in Belfast include Ireland centre-cum-wing Andrew Trimble and Scottish international centre Rob Dewey.
The latter signed for Ulster last February from Edinburgh - he only linked up with them recently - and is looking forward to making an immediate impact. "Hopefully if I'm given the opportunity I can be part of the effort to get the season back on track." said Dewey, a big, strong centre who has caused Leinster problems in the past.
Trimble will put aside friendships forged on national team duty, at least for one night. "It will be great to run-out at Ravenhill again and be back playing for Ulster. Playing against Leinster will certainly add an extra edge to the game. All the Irish guys know each other really well but I guess those friendships will have to be put to one side on Friday night. It is important that we get a good result in this game and get our Magners League campaign back on track."
Promising young secondrow Ryan Caldwell returns after serving a three-game suspension following his sending off against Edinburgh in September.
Leinster also welcome back national team players, captain Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy and Girvan Dempsey, Argentina's Felipe Contepomi and former Springbok prop Ollie le Roux. Leinster coach Michael Cheika has announced an extended squad with all bar the injured Trevor Hogan and Ronnie McCormack available for selection.
Le Roux arrived in Ireland last Thursday and has spent recent days getting to know his new team-mates. Although he won most of his caps for South Africa at prop, Leinster view him as an option for the middle of the front row. Jamie Heaslip and Chris Whitaker have recovered from their respective injuries.
Cheika offered an overview of the upcoming month that will include the start of their Heineken European Cup campaign. "I feel that with all the international players back this week, this will further invigorate the squad ahead of a massive four weeks for Leinster.
"Felipe (Contepomi) is included in the squad and he'll certainly be on a high after having an outstanding couple of weeks with Argentina. He's very eager to get back playing and hopefully we can benefit from his own excellent form. Ollie (Le-Roux) has a massive amount of leadership skills and confidence. He has a wealth of experience at provincial and international levels and will be in the squad."
Meanwhile, Munster coach Munster coach Declan Kidney has named a 26-strong squad for the trip to Glasgow, that includes returning Irish internationals John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, Donncha O'Callaghan, Denis Leamy and David Wallace.
Paul O'Connell (back) and Ronan O'Gara (knee) were not considered because of injury. Kidney is quite confident both will be in contention for places in the squad for the Edinburgh game on Saturday week.
Barry Murphy is named for the first time this season, while Anthony Horgan has recovered from a hamstring injury.
MUNSTER SQUAD: J Hayes, F Pucciariello, M Horan, T Buckley, F Sheahan, J Flannery, M O'Driscoll, D O'Callaghan, M Melbourne, D Leamy, J Coughlan, A Foley, D Wallace, A Quinlan. P Stringer, T O'Leary, P Warwick, J Manning, L Mafi, R Tipoki, K Lewis, B Murphy, A Horgan, B Carney, I Dowling, S Payne.
ULSTER SQUAD: M Bartholomeusz, I Boss, T Bowe, B Cunningham, R Dewey, D Humphreys, P Marshall, M McCrea, A Trimble, P Wallace, N Best, R Best (capt); N Brady; R Caldwell; K Dawson, C del Fava, S Ferris, D Fitzpatrick, J Fitzpatrick, J Harrison, R Wilson, B Young.
LEINSTER SQUAD: S Wright, B Jackman, O Le-Roux, J F Gomez, S Knoop, L Cullen, M O'Kelly, D Toner, S Keogh, K Gleeson, S Jennings, J Heaslip, K McLaughlin, C Whitaker, C Willis, F Contepomi, J Sexton, C Warner, M Berne, G D'Arcy, B O'Driscoll, L Fitzgerald, R Kearney, G Brown, S Horgan, G Dempsey.
Friday
Magners Celtic League: Connacht v Edinburgh, Sportsground (6.30); Glasgow v Munster, Firhill (7.30); Ulster v Leinster, Ravenhill (7.30 ).
Saturday
AIB League Division One (2.30): Ballymena v Garryowen, Eaton Park; Cork Constitution v Blackrock College, Temple Hill; Dolphin v Greystones, Musgrave Park; Dungannon v Terenure College, Stevenson Park; Galwegians v St Mary's College, Glenina; Lansdowne v Clontarf, RDS; Old Belvedere v Shannon, Anglesea Road; UL Bohemian v UCD, Annacotty.
Division Two (2.30): Ballynahinch v UCC, Ballymacarn Park; Barnhall v Thomond, Parsonstown; Bective Rangers v Dublin University, Donnybrook ( 3.30); Buccaneers v Clonakilty, Dubarry Park; Highfield v Old Crescent, Woodleigh Park; Suttonians v DLSP, McDowell Memorial Grounds; Wanderers v Belfast Harlequins, Merrion Road; Young Munster v Malone, Clifford Park.
Division Three (2.30): Ards v Midleton, Hamilton Park; City of Derry v Bruff, Judge's Road; Nenagh Ormond v Corinthians, Nanagh; Old Wesley v Instonians, Donnybrook ( 1.30); Queens University Belfast v Naas, Dub Lane; Rainey Old Boys v Banbridge, Hatrick Park, Waterpark v Carlow, Ballinakill.
Sunday
AIB League Division Three (2.30): Sunday's Well v Connemara, Musgrave Park.
