Returning big guns can help Leinster end Ulster's winning run

THERE HASN’T BEEN much in the way of good news at Ulster recently but this week’s confirmation that Richie Murphy has been appointed head coach on a permanent basis appears a positive development.

The big news from a Leinster point of view is the return of both James Ryan and Hugo Keenan to the starting team – a significant boost ahead of next Saturday’s Champions Cup final meeting with Toulouse. Jamie Osborne had been the presumed favourite to continue alongside Robbie Henshaw should Ringrose be ruled out for Toulouse, but this could be an audition for O’Brien to fill that void. The versatile Kildare man is only back from a long-term neck injury but looked sharp on the wing last weekend.He’s played most of his rugby at wing and fullback but is no stranger to 13 – memorably slotting into the Ireland midfield on his Test debut against the Springboks in 2022.

Ulster have been building momentum under Murphy but results have perhaps masked some mixed performances.

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