D'Arcy gets the nod for Ulster
Rugby league recruit Adam D'Arcy retains his place at full-back for Ulster's opening Magners League clash with the Ospreys at Ravenhill on Friday night (KO 7.05pm).
The Irish qualified back, who played of the Manly Sea Eagles in Australia, impressed in pre-season and has been rewarded with a starting berth for the Northern Province.
Coach Brian McLaughlin has named an experience pack containing the likes of Irish internationals Rory Best and Stephen Ferris plus the Springbok infusion of Johann Muller and Pedrie Wannenburg.
The backline, however, has an inexperienced look to it. Young wingers Tommy Seymour and David McIlwaine start in place of the injured Andrew Trimble and Simon Danielli. Darren Cave and Ian Whitten link up in the centre once more.
Paul Marshall will be looking to make an impression in the number nine jersey, before marquee Springbok signing Ruan Pienarr arrives on Ulster shores.
Current internationals Tom Court and Paddy Wallace have been named on the bench while prop Paddy McAllister, who sustained a neck and back injury against Bath a few weeks ago, has been passed fit to play.
A D'Arcy; T Seymour, D Cave, I Whitten, D McIlwaine; N O'Connor, P Marshall; B Young, R Best (Capt), D Fitzpatrick, J Muller, T Barker, S Ferris, W Faloon, P Wannenburg
Replacements: N Brady, T Court, P McAllister, R Caldwell, R Diack, I Porter, P Wallace, J Shiels
