Team news: Cian Healy is included in Leinster's squad for the first time this season ahead of the Magners League game against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday.

The 19-year-old prop caught-the-eye during the Irish under-20s' Grand Slam winning campaign and has received the call from Michael Cheika as reward. The rest of the panel is unchanged and Cheika is expected to name his starting team on Thursday.

"Cian is a good young player and we've got a few coming through right now. We feel it's the right time to give the
younger lads who have come out of the Under-20s some experience and maybe give them some game time," explained Cheika.

"They've been looked after and have had the correct preparation and he'll begin to learn the intensity and pace of the game, even if he's not in the final 22. But I have put him in the squad based on his performances at age groups that are a little bit older than he is. I see him as a loose-head prop."

Cheika is hopeful that injured captain Brian O'Driscoll will be back before the end of the season as Leinster continue their title push

"Brian is rehabbing well and is doing a lot of fitness work," he added. "He wants to make a contribution before the end of the season."

Defending champions Ulster, who remain just five points off the pace following Leinster's blip in Glasgow at the weekend, have named their side to face Borders on Friday.

Mark McCall has drafted Andew Maxwell into the side to replace Paul Steinmetz while Simon Best comes into the front row in place of Justin Fitzpatrick.

Elsewhere, Munster prop Tony Buckley will leave the province during the summer to join English Premiership side Bath on a one year deal.

The 26-year-old, who opportunities since making his debut in 2005 have been hampered by a series of injuries, made just a handful of appearances for Declan Kidney's side this campaign and has turned down the offer of a new contract in favour of a fresh start with Bath.

Ulster(v Borders)Bryn Cunningham; Tommy Bowe , Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Maxwell; David Humphreys, Isaac Boss; Bryan Young, Rory Best, Simon Best (c); Justin Harrison, Ryan Caldwell; Stephen Ferris, Neil Best, Roger Wilson. Replacements: Paul Shields, Justin Fitzpatrick, Tim Barker, David Pollock, Kieran Campbell, Darren Cave, Paul McKenzie

Leinster Squad(v Dragons): Chris Whitaker, Guy Easterby, Felipe Contepomi, Denis Hickie, Christian Warner, Kieran Lewis, Gordon D'Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey; Stanley Wright, Reggie Corrigan, Will Green, Fosi Pala'amo, Cian Healy, Brian Blaney, Harry Vermaas, Owen Finegan, Trevor Hogan, Devin Toner, Malcolm O'Kelly, Kevin McLaughlin, Cameron Jowitt, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip