Ulster centre James Hume - who is on the bench today - says his recovery from a serious groin injury was as much a mental as a physical battle.

Hume, who won three Ireland caps in 2021 and 2022, worked with Ulster Rugby's psychologist Darren Devaney and says changes in his attitude were vital to getting his career back on track.

"It was very egotistical and naive not to look for help," Hume, 25, told BBC Sport NI.

Read more from our interview with Hume here and watch the video below.

Dan McFarland has made five changes to his Ulster line-up with Rob Herring and Billy Burns fit enough to start after shaking off ankle and bicep injuries respectively.

Steven Kitshoff, Tom O'Toole and Luke Marshall are also recalled as Ulster target what would be a hugely significant victory over the URC leaders ahead of a European double-bill against Toulouse and Harlequins.

Leinster's squad depth is such that Leo Cullen is able to make 14 changes from the Boxing Day win over Munster, with wing Rob Russell the only player retained.

Their line-up still boasts a serious amount of international quality, though, with Ireland trio Robbie Henshaw, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Caelan Doris among those recalled.

Leinster won all three meetings between the sides across the URC and Champions Cup last season. That included a 38-29 victory at the RDS when Ulster blew a 22-3 lead against 14 men.

Leinster: Ciaran Frawley; Tommy O'Brien, Liam Turner, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Russell; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Cian Healy, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Jason Jenkins, Joe McCarhty; Ryan Baird, Will Connors, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Lee Barron, Jack Boyle, Michael Ala'alatoa, Ross Molony, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Josh van der Flier.

Ulster: Will Addison; Rob Baloucoune, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Billy Burns, John Cooney; Steven Kitshoff, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole; Kieran Treadwell, Iain Henderson (capt); Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Andy Warwick, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Dave Ewers, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, Jude Postlethwaite.

You only have to wait 15 minutes now before Leinster against Ulster. Go grab some food and get back in position.

That try denies Munster a losing bonus point and it stops Connacht's five-game losing run.

A masterclass in the rain from JJ Hanrahan.

Image source, Getty Images

Not good news for Ireland or Connacht as Mack Hansen goes off holding his hand. That does not look good...

JJ Hanrahan gives it another whack from halfway but this time it goes wide.

Munster's attack is at walking pace, they need a miracle play from someone.

Connacht then win another penalty on halfway, surely that is the game now.

HUGE NUDGE! Is that the winning moment?

Jarrad Butler locks himself over the ball and wins the penalty. Does JJ Hanrahan fancy it? He is standing on the halfway line and will give it a whack.

Munster aren't making many metres as they try and milk a penalty before Antoine Frisch drops the ball.

Into the last 10...

The former Munster man does it again. The penalty came from a dominate scrum.

Vital moments now.

Caolin Blade is the latest player down holding his head. The scrum-half has been impressive today and right in the mix for the Six Nations.

He leaves the field for Michael McDonald.

An old school game for the forwards.

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Into the last quarter and it could go either way. One piece of magic will win this one...

A gift now for JJ Hanrahan in front of the posts. A soft penalty to concede for Munster right after taking the lead.

This one is much easier. Three easy ones for Tony Butler but you have to knock them over.

Massive steal from Tadhg Beirne - the best in the business over an oval ball.

Tony Butler has a look at the posts before punting it into the corner. I don't blame him in these conditions.

No real sign of any attacking threat from Connacht but Munster remain firm in defence before clearing their lines.

Another penalty for Connacht as the crowd find their voice. I did say the wind will help.

Jack Carty opts for the corner as Byron Ralston returns to the pitch.

Image source, Getty Images