Ulster ready to answer Ireland?s call this time

Last season’s Pro12 campaign produced a fairytale ending as Ireland’s Cinderella side Connacht not only defied the odds to reach the playoffs for the first time but also carried the day in the Grand Final against table-topping Leinster.

Bookmakers don’t see lightning striking twice as Leinster are again favourites while Connacht are available ar double-figure odds, but it may be that another Irish province trump them both as Ulster look the value to finish top of the regular-season pile.

Leinster’s success in reaching the final should not be dismissed lightly as they are usually hit hardest of all by international call-ups, but they now have to cope with the loss of some key players.