IRISH INTERNATIONAL RICHARDT Strauss makes his long-awaited return to action in Leinster’s Pro12 inter-provincial against Ulster tomorrow evening.
The South African-born hooker missed the entirety of the Six Nations campaign with an ankle injury that has ruled him out since January.
Strauss returns to the front row as Leinster look to consolidate their lead at the top of the table following last week’s home win over Glasgow.
Their cause is boosted by the return of seven internationals in total including Cian Healy and Mike Ross at prop and Rob Kearney at full-back.
Meanwhile Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has made six changes for the trip to the RDS with Ruan Pienaar, Chris Henry and Nick Williams all available again following injury.
Irish internationals Rory Best and Craig Gilroy also return following their Six Nations involvement while John Afoa’s decision to return to New Zealand for the birth of his third child means a first Ulster start for Ricky Lutton at tighthead.
Kick-off at the RDS is at 6.15pm.
Leinster: Rob Kearney; Dave Kearney, Brendan Macken, Gordon D’Arcy, Isa Nacewa; Ian Madigan, Isaac Boss; Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Quinn Roux; Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip (c). Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, Jamie Hagan, Leo Cullen, Rhys Ruddock, John Cooney, Andrew Goodman, Andrew Conway.
Ulster: Jared Payne; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Stuart Olding, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar; Tom Court, Rory Best, Ricky Lutton; Johann Muller, Dan Tuohy; Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Nick Williams. Replacements: Rob Herring, Callum Black, Kyle McCall, Lewis Stevenson, Iain Henderson, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall, Peter Nelson.
