HARRY'S GAME

Byrne handed surprise chance to impress Cullen and Farrell at No.10

- BY DEREK FOLEY

IT was a game club rugby fans always had marked as one of the highlights of the year.

But now Leicester Tigers hosting old rivals Leinster at Welford Road tonight has developed national significance.

And that is because Blues boss Leo Cullen has opted to start Harry Byrne at out-half in preference to Sam Prendergast who has been placed on the bench.

Cullen is under no obligation to consult Andy Farrell about selection but this is a huge call, one that it is unlikely the Ireland coach heard secondhand.

It comes hard on the heels of Ireland's so-so November showing with Byrne given the chance to start the highest profile club game of the season to date alongside Ireland No.9 Jamison Gibson-Park and a complete Irish pack.

With centre Garry Ringrose ruled out, Rieko Ioane (right) comes in at No.13 to partner Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe returns from injury and Jimmy O'Brien deputises again for Hugo Keenan. Cullen said of his No.10 decision: “Harry has come back from Bristol and I've seen a very motivated guy, not that he wasn’t motivated before.