Stuart Lancaster: Ulster 'a proper challenge' for Leinster

Stuart Lancaster believes Saturday's top-of-the-table clash between Leinster and Ulster has come at an ideal time for both provinces as their Ireland stars return ahead of a busy period of interprovincial and European action.

The two leading teams in the BKT United Rugby Championship collide at the RDS, with Leinster chasing a ninth straight victory.

Ulster's only defeat this season came at home to Leinster in round three and since then they have won four games on the bounce to leave them eight points behind their neighbours with a game in hand.

It is 12 months since Ulster’s last visit to the RDS, where they came away with a 20-10 victory and went on to complete a double over Leinster last season.

"They’ve got good players coming back in – [Duane] Vermeulen played last week, Iain Henderson came off the bench," said Leinster senior coach Lancaster.

"You look across their team now and it’s a very strong team who are operating at the top end of Europe, there’s no doubt in my mind. That’s how high I rate them.

"It’s a proper challenge but one that both teams probably want and need at this point of the season. The want to go against each other because URC points are massive, it’s first vs second, and we’re on the cusp of Europe and some more intepros post that.

"It’s great timing in terms of us getting our internationals back and they have as well."

Leinster’s Ireland contingent returned to training on Monday along with James Lowe and Jordan Larmour, who have recovered from calf and foot injuries respectively, and Lancaster warned there is no room for complacency after the province’s young guns stepped up in their absence.

Rob Russell helped himself to a hat-trick against Glasgow last weekend with the likes of Rob Russell and Liam