JOHNNY SEXTON WILL play no part in Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final derby with Ulster on Saturday evening [KO 5.45pm, BT Sport 3].
Leinster’s Johnny Sexton is out of tomorrow’s Champions Cup clash with Ulster. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Sexton did emerge as a doubt this week after failing to come through Thursday’s training session and also didn’t feature in last week’s PRO14 defeat to Edinburgh.
Ross Byrne had been on standby and slots in at number 10 for tomorrow’s European tie. He lines out alongside luke McGrath to complete the half backs.
Leinster take no risks with Sexton after out-half pulls up with ‘leg niggle’
Rob Kearney, meanwhile, drops to the bench as Jordan Larmour starts at fullback for Leo Cullen’s side.
Adam Byrne and Dave Kearney take their place on the wings, while Garry Ringrose and Rory O’Loughlin make up the midfield pairing.
Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Tadhg Furlong are named in a powerful forward line for the reigning champions. Cronin is the only one of the trio to retain his place following last week’s defeat at Murrayfield.
Rhys Ruddock also retains his spot and captains the side from blindside flanker, with Seán O’Brien and Jack Conan completing the line-up.
Andrew Porter could make his 50th appearance for the province from the bench. There was no room for James Lowe among the replacements for tomorrow’s game.
You can find Ulster’s line-up here.