Leinster’s Rob Kearney ruled out of Ulster clash

Leinster’s Rob Kearney has been ruled out of Friday night’s Pro 12 clash with Ulster at the RDS.

Leo Cullen had recalled a fit again Kearney as his side look to bounce back from last weekend’s Champions Cup defeat to Bath.

However the fullback has been forced to pull out of the inter-provincial fixture with a hamstring injury, with Isa Nacewa - who had been rested - returning to the fold in the 15 jersey.

A statement from Leinster said: “Leinster full back Rob Kearney felt tightness in his hamstring after the Captain’s Run yesterday (Thursday) and despite treatment yesterday afternoon and again this morning, Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen, in colsultation with the medical team and with Rob himself, felt it prudent not to risk Kearney for the game this evening.

“As a result Isa Nacewa comes in at full back. Jamie Heaslip will retain the captaincy for the game this evening having lead the team all week and during the Captain’s Run yesterday.”

Leinster: Isa Nacewa, Zane Kirchner, Ben Te’o, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald, Johnny Sexton, Luke McGrath, Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: James Tracy, Peter Dooley, Martin Moore, Ross Molony, Dominic Ryan, Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid, Garry Ringrose