Cullen to lead out Leinster in Warriors clash

RUGBY/Celtic League news Weekend fixtures:Leo Cullen, who narrowly missed out on a berth in Ireland's 30-man World Cup squad, has been handed the Leinster team captaincy by coach Gary Ella for his team's visit to Sardis Road on Saturday.

In the absence of last week's captain, Keith Gleeson and club captain Reggie Corrigan, the Blackrock second row will lead Leinster against the League's current top-placed side, Celtic Warriors.

The Warriors are one of six teams who won their opening matches of the competition and with five tries and 49 points head the table.

Cullen has led out Leinster only once before as captain and that was last season when he won his 50th cap for the province.

A 25-man squad has been named but with the players resting today, a starting line-up will not be named until after Thursday's session.

Two front row players, Gavin Hickie (foot) and Emmet Byrne (elbow nerve) and last week's try scoring debutant Brendan Burke (calf), sustained injuries against Munster but both are hoping to be fit.

Ulster's hopes of lifting themselves from their current third from the bottom position in the table have been further dented with the departure of utility back Paddy Wallace and winger Tyrone Howe to Bilbao with the Irish "shadow squad" for a week of warm weather training.

The two players, filling in for the injured Jonathan Bell and Shane Horgan, leave Ulster to face Glasgow Rugby at Ravenhill without seven first choice players.

Former Ulster player Justin Fitzpatrick, now with the French side Castres, and Leinster's Gordon D'Arcy have also travelled to Spain as cover for the injured John Hayes and Shane Horgan.

While it is not that unusual around the provinces for international players to be unavailable, Ulster found themselves exceptionally short of bodies this week with coach Alan Solomons forced to select his 22-man squad from just 24 players.

Along with injuries and World Cup selected players, Simon Best, Gary Longwell, Neil Doak and David Humphreys, Ulster are still waiting for the arrival of New Zealand centre Paul Steimmetz. The Highlanders player, who has been capped once for the All Blacks, should arrive in Belfast late next month.

Glasgow have a couple of injuries to worry about but they arrive at Ravenhill on the back of a 23-13 first round win over Cardiff Blues.

"Alan Solomons is an excellent coach and Ulster are an impressive outfit," said Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell.

"They will be disappointed with their result against the Ospreys. We have a couple of injury worries that could force us to make some changes but a tournament like this is all about using your squad and having the necessary strength and depth." Tell that to Solomons.

Munster will not select their team to face Llanelli on Friday at Thomond Park until today but may have to juggle around for a number 10.

Again with World Cup players and injuries, last season's Celtic League winners are without 13 regulars with Rob Henderson's torn bicep expected to keep him out of action for between eight and 10 weeks.

Conrad O'Sullivan hurt his ankle at outhalf in a warm-up match with Connacht, with Jason Holland coming on as cover. Holland, however, aggravated an ankle injury against Leinster with this week's outhalf position likely to go to his 17th-minute replacement Killian Keane.

Jason Jones-Hughes, who replaced Henderson in the Leinster match, is also doubtful with a leg injury.

Connacht, who are seeking their third successive win over Cardiff, will also select today but will do so with a clean bill of health. The only injury of concern is Peter Bracken's long-term cruciate ligament problem, which will keep him out until close to Christmas.

Matches between the two sides have, in recent years, been decided by just one kick of the ball. Last year Connacht won 23-22 at The Sportsground and the year before in the Arms Park 6-3.

FRIDAY

Celtic League: Ulster v Glasgow Rugby, Ravenhill Road 7.30; Munster v Llanelli, Thomond Park 7.30; Edinburgh Rugby v The Borders, Meadowbank 7.30; Gwent Dragons v Neath-Swansea Ospreys, Rodney Parade 7.05.

Under-21 Interprovincial: Leinster v Connacht Donnybrook, 6.30.

SATURDAY

Celtic League: Celtic Warriors v Leinster Lions, Sardis Road 2.30; Cardiff Blues v Connacht, Arms Park 5.30.

Junior, Interprovincial: Ulster v Leinster Donaghdee, 2.30; Munster v Connacht, Clonmel, 3.00.

Under-21 Interprovincial: Munster v Ulster, Musgrave Park, 2.30.

Munster Senior League: Clonakilty v Midleton, Shannon Vale, 3.00; Dolphin v Shannon, Musgrave Park, 3.00; Garryowen v Waterpark, Dooradoyle, 3.00; Highfield v Cork Constitution, Woodleigh Park, 3.00; UL Bohemians v Thomond, Annacotty, 3.00; Young Munster v Old Crescent, Clifford Park, 3.00.

WEDNESDAY

Cork Charity Cup Final: (September, 17th): Cork Constitution v Dolphin, Musgrave Park, 7.30.

CELTIC LEAGUE TEAM

ULSTER: B Cunningham; J Topping, R Constable, S Stewart, S Young; A Larkin, K Campbell; R McCormack, M Sexton, B Moore, M Mustchin, R Frost, A Ward (capt.), N McMillen, T McWhirter. Replacements: P Shields, B Young, M McCullough, N Best, R Spree, S Mallon, T Bowe.