Sexton, Mako Vunipola return for European Champions Cup

British and Irish Lions duo Johnny Sexton and Mako Vunipola will both return from injury to play in this weekend’s European Champions Cup semi-finals.

Ireland fly-half Sexton has overcome a quad issue to captain Leinster in Sunday’s clash with Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium.

The 33-year-old has not featured for the province since the end of the Six Nations but is included by head coach Leo Cullen in a much-changed starting XV.

It is the third time Leinster have faced Toulouse in the past editions four of the competition. The French club triumphed in 2010 but lost in a rematch 12 months later, with the winner on each occasion going on to lift the trophy.

LINE UP: Your 23-man #LeinsterRugby squad to face @StadeToulousain on Sunday at @AVIVAStadium in the Heineken #ChampionsCup Semi-Final. #LEIvTOU #JoinTheRoar pic.twitter.com/fPadwLXJR9

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 19, 2019

Before they meet, however, Saracens take on Munster at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday in the first semi-final.

Vunipola has been named in Sarries’ team for the fixture, the England prop available again having been out since January with an ankle injury.

He joins brother Billy Vunipola in the pack for the Premiership club, while Brad Barritt and Liam Williams are fit to start at centre and wing respectively.

As for Munster, who reached the final in 2008 with an 18-16 victory over Saracens at the same venue in Coventry, they are without Joey Carbery and Keith Earls.

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