Noel likes to see pathway to seniors

LEINSTER ‘A’ team finished top of the Celtic Cup table with seven wins from seven to secure home advantage in the final.

Ulster finished second with five wins and two losses, while also claiming five try bonus points.

The two sides met in Energia Park back in Round 4 with Leinster winning 55-24.

Leinster ‘A’ head coach Noel McNamara emphasised the importance of the Celtic Cup as an opportunity for players to take another step in their development.

Harry Byrne, Michael Milne and Rowan Osborne, who have all featured in this season’s Celtic Cup campaign, made their senior debuts in recent weeks, with all three coming on in last Friday’s home win over Ospreys at the RDS Arena.

“The mandate of the competition is pretty simple; it’s a development competition,” McNamara said.

“We want to be as competitive as we possibly can. I think one of the biggest bonuses for us has been seeing people who have come through the pathway get closer up to the top of that pathway and make their debuts.

“I think there’s been some really pleasing performances over the course of the games.”

Rob Russell retains his place at full-back as does Andrew Smith on the left wing while Ireland U20’S Liam Turner slots in on the right of Russell.

In midfield, Gavin Mullin and Tommy O’Brien continue the partnership, Hugh O’Sullivan and Conor Kelly combine once more at half-back.

There is one change in the front row where tighthead Tom Clarkson comes in. Charlie Ryan captains the side from the second row.

Ulster suffered a 31-12 home defeat to Munster last weekend and will need to improve if they are to spoil Leinster’s party.

Flanker David McCann, 19, again captains the side which sees loosehead Callum Reid return, while two of the three changes from the side who started against Munster last week are in the back line, with prolific try-scorer, Ross Adair coming back into the midfield alongside Hayden Hyde.

Nathan Doak returns to start at 9 alongside Bruce Houston at 10.