Leinster, Connacht and Ulster name teams for Champions Cup fixtures

Leo Cullen's side host Montpellier in Dublin today. The reverse fixture was cancelled due to Covid-19 cases within Leinster's squad. Connacht will also name their team for their Champions Cup match against Leicester Tigers on Saturday. Ulster travel to England for a clash with Northampton on Sunday.

Ulster team named. Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak, Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Marty Moore and Alan O'Connor. Kieran Treadwell, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen, Ben Moxham.

Leinster, Connacht and Ulster name teams for Champions Cup fixtures. Johnny Sexton returns for Leinsters.

Shane Delahunt starts at hooker for Connacht. Niall Murray comes into the second row. Matt Healy starts on the wing with John Porch on opposite wing and Tiernan O’Halloran at full-back. Bundee Aki and Sammy Arnold start at 12 and 13 for the match against Leicester.

Chris Boyd has been banned for two matches by Northampton. He will be banned from watching the next two games, including their clash with Ulster. Boyd will also not be allowed to coach. The director of rugby will return to New Zealand at the end of the season. He was found guilty of disrespecting referee Adam Leal. Lele did not issue a yellow card during Northamptons' 30-6 defeat against Saracens.

Leinster, Connacht and Ulster name teams for Champions Cup fixtures.

Leicester coach Steve Borthwick praises Connacht's players and coach. Leinster, Connachts and Ulster name their teams for Champions Cup fixtures.

Jared Payne is leaving Ulster at the end of the season. Payne has worked as the province's defence coach since joining Ulster's coaching set-up following his retirement in 2018.

Caolin Blade, Tom Farrell, Oran McNulty, Conor Oliver and Dylan Tierney-Martin have signed contract extensions with the province.

Munster are the first of the provinces in action this week, with the Reds travelling to Southern France for a clash with Castres on Friday night. Johann van Graan has made five changes to the side that defeated Ulster last weekend for the game at the Stade Pierre Fabre. Captain Peter O’Mahony returns after missing the Ulster win due to a leg strain. Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Jack O'Donoghue also come into the team. Leinster, Connacht and Ulster are expected to name their teams at midday.