Richard Hibbard happy with the way knee rehab is progressing

Ulster’s Rory Best will be keeping a close eye on the Welsh hooker’s fitness

Cian Healy: takes positives out of weekend’s Pro 12 final. Cian Healy hopes a Leinster win over Ulster will help boost the Lions

Prop knows the risk of injury is big but is prepared to put his body on the line

Wales’ George North gets in some golf practice during yesterday’s Lions Down Day at Carton House, Maynooth, yesterday. Photograph: Inpho Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree not taking Barbarians match lightly

Coach stresses first match of tour is important one for the squad

Digby Ioane has undergone a knee operation. Photograph: Getty Images Wallabies winger Digby Ioane may miss first Lions test

New Zealand-born 27-year-old underwent knee surgery today and faces race to be fit for June 22nd match

Biarritz’s Taku Ngwenya chases down Ian Madigan during last month’s Challenge Cup semi-final. The pair are due to meet again on June 8th. Photograph: Colm O’Neill/Inpho US Eagles announce weakened squad

Ireland’s summer opponents meet this Saturday without European based players

Andrew Trimble sees this weekend as a major point in Ulster’s evolution. “It’s a chance to lay claim to being the best side in Ireland.” Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Andrew Trimble seeks final piece of validation for Ulster in Pro12 final

Beating Leinster in decider will prove Ulster have truly arrived as a force

John Afoa: looks set to recover from his hamstring injury for Saturday’s final.  Photograph: Darren Kidd/Presseye/Inpho Joe Schmidt and Mark Anscombe keep cards close to chests for Pro12 final

John Afoa only major doubt for Ulster while Brian O’Driscoll looks fit to start for Leinster

Dan Lydiate in action during the  Lions’  training session in Carton House yesterday. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho Rested Dan Lydiate looks to outflank rivals in Lions battle of the backrow

Despite missing international season, Wales number six is a Warren Gatland favourite

Ronan O’Gara and Jonny Sexton will join forces in Paris  with Racing Metro. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho Girvan Dempsey believes Ronan O’Gra can kick on as coach with Racing Metro

Undoubted mental strength will make transition easier for former Ireland outhalf

Rabo Pro 12

Team P W D L F A BP Pts
Ulster 22 17 1 4 577 348 11 81
Leinster 22 17 0 5 585 386 10 78
Glasgow 22 16 0 6 541 324 12 76
Scarlets 22 15 0 7 436 406 6 66
Ospreys 22 14 1 7 471 342 4 62
Munster 22 11 1 10 442 384 8 54
Treviso 22 10 2 10 414 450 6 51
Connacht 22 8 1 13 358 422 4 38
Cardiff 21 8 0 13 335 450 6 38
Edinburgh 22 7 0 15 499 504 8 36
Dragons 22 6 0 16 358 589 4 28
Zebre 22 0 0 22 288 573 10 10