Cullen includes 7 internationals in first Leinster squad of the season

LEO CULLEN HAS included seven internationals in his 32-man squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Ulster at Navan RFC [KO 3pm].

Josh van der Flier will make his return this weekend. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

The returning Fergus McFadden, Josh van der Flier and Mike McCarthy – all of whom missed the end of last season through injury – are joined by Ireland internationals Michael Bent, Jack Conan, Dominic Ryan, and South African Zane Kirchner in the squad.

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Cullen has also called on propping pair Andrew Porter and Vakh Abdaladze, who featured for Ireland in the World Rugby U20 Championship in June.

Porter was a standout player in the tournament and has joined Leinster’s academy this summer, although Abdaladze was not included in this year’s academy intake.

New signings Ian Nagle and Niall Morris will have an opportunity to impress the Leinster coaching staff in Navan, while promising backs such as Joey Carbery, Adam Byrne, Ross Byrne, Charlie Rock and Ian Fitzpatrick are included.

UCD’s Barry Daly is currently on trial with Leinster. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

UCD wing Barry Daly, who has joined Leinster on trial for pre-season, will be eager to show Cullen that he deserves a permanent contract.

Leinster squad to face Ulster:

Forwards (17):

Vakh Abdaladze
Michael Bent
Bryan Byrne
Jack Conan
Peter Dooley
Dan Leavy
Mike McCarthy
Sean McNulty
Ross Molony
Josh Murphy
Ian Nagle
Andrew Porter
Dominic Ryan
Peadar Timmins
James Tracy
Hayden Triggs
Josh van der Flier

Backs (15):

Adam Byrne
Ross Byrne
Joey Carbery
Barry Daly
Tom Daly
Billy Dardis
Ian Fitzpatrick
Zane Kirchner
Cathal Marsh
Nick McCarthy
Fergus McFadden
Luke McGrath
Niall Morris
Rory O’Loughlin
Charlie Rock

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