Squad News:Leinster coach Michael Cheika has included his full compliment of internationals in the squad ahead of Friday night's Magners Celtic League trip to Ravenhill, while his Ulster counterpart Mark McCall also named his squad.
Following two successive defeats, Cheika will be well aware of the need to get Leinster's season back on track against their provincial rivals.
Felipe Contepomi, instrumental in sending Ireland home from France prematurely, is named in the 26-man squad alongside the likes of Brian O'Driscoll and new signing from South Africa, Ollie Le-Roux.
Cheika will also have both Jamie Heaslip and Chris Whitaker at his disposal after the pair recovered from injury but is still missing Trevor Hogan and Ronan McCormack.
"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," Cheika explained today.
"Felipe 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."
In McCall's case he named a 22-man squad and, with the exception of Simon Best, the Ulster coach welcomes back all the internationals at his disposal who were on World Cup duty. Best is on a period of rest following his health scare in France.
Scottish international Rob Dewey in named in the squad for the first time after signing from Edinburgh in February.
David Humphreys has recovered from an ankle injury and is also named, as is returning lock Ryan Caldwell, who has completed his three match suspension following his red card against Edinburgh last month.
Andrew Trimble is also looking forward to lining out for his province. "It will be great to run out at Ravenhill again and be back playing for Ulster against Interpro rivals Leinster will certainly add an extra edge to the game," said the Coleraine player.
"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"
McCall will finalise his starting XV at noon on Thurday ahead of the all-ticket affair which kicks-off at 7.30pm on Friday night.
Leinster Squad
Forwards:Stan Wright, Bernard Jackman, Ollie Le-Roux, Juan Francisco Gomez, Stephen Knoop, Leo Cullen, Malcolm O'Kelly, Devin Toner, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip, Kevin McLaughlin
Backs:Chris Whitaker, Cillian Willis, Felipe Contepomi, Jonathan Sexton, Christian Warner, Michael Berne, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Gary Brown, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey
Ulster Squad
Forwards:Neil Best; Rory Best (Captain); Nigel Brady; Ryan Caldwell; Kieron Dawson; Carlo del Fava; Stephen Ferris; Declan Fitzpatrick; Justin Fitzpatrick; Justin Harrison; Roger Wilson; Bryan Young
Backs:Mark Bartholomeusz; Isaac Boss; Tommy Bowe; Bryn Cunningham; Rob Dewey; David Humphreys; Paul Marshall; Mark McCrea; Andrew Trimble; Paddy Wallace
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