Chris suffered a mini-stroke in November the night before he was due to play for Ireland against South Africa in the Guinness Series. He subsequently underwent heart surgery to repair a defect in his heart wall and has been recuperating since then.

Welcome back @chrishenry678 #STUFTUM #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/kuxirKx1y9

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 27, 2015

He has steadily increased his involvement with the squad since January and this week was cleared by his Dublin surgeon to return to full participation.

Ulster Head Coach Neil Doak welcomed the flanker’s return to the province.

“I am absolutely delighted that Chris will be involved in this evening’s match and his recovery gives everyone at Ulster Rugby a massive boost,” Doak said on the Ulster Rugby website.

Doak: It's just great to have @chrishenry678 back #SUFTUM #Irishrugby http://t.co/EARw85hxOt pic.twitter.com/Cs0FeGhnV7

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 27, 2015

“He is a very popular member of the squad and he has worked extremely hard since his surgery to get back to full fitness.

“Wearing the Ulster jersey means a great deal to Chris and I know with what he has been through over the past four months that tonight will be extra special for him.

He said the crowd at the Kingspan Stadium would also be delighted with his return: “I know that the crowd will give him a huge reception if and when he takes to the pitch. For the coaches and players of Ulster Rugby, it is just great to have him back.”

Ulster play Cardiff Blues at the Kingspan Stadium, Friday March 27 - kick off 7.35pm

Ulster team: L Ludik; C Gilroy, D Cave - Capt, S Olding, M Allen, P Jackson, R Pienaar; C Black, R Herring, W Herbst, D Tuohy, F Van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Ross, N Williams.

Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, B Ross, R Diack, C Henry, P Marshall, I Humphreys, R Scholes.