Irish internationals Paddy Wallace and Dan Tuohy have been named in a 28-man Ulster squad ahead of this weekend’s Magners League trip to Connacht on Saturday night (KO 7.30pm).
Recent signing Adam D’Arcy returns to the squad having turned out for the Ulster Ravens last week, while Ballinahinch openside Willie Faloon makes a welcome return for the northern province.
High-flying Ulster are currently unbeaten and lie in second place behind Munster while Connacht occupy fourth place following their unprecedented victory in Glasgow last weekend.
Marquee Springbok signing Ruan Pienaar is not named in the squad, but is expected to make his debut next week against Glasgow.
Backs (12): Adam D'Arcy, David McIlwaine, Andrew Trimble, Paul Marshall, Ian Porter, Paul Emerick, Jamie Smith, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paddy Wallace, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor;
Forwards (16): Tom Court, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Chris Henry, Rory Best, BJ Botha, Andi Kyriacou, Tim Barker, Johann Muller, Ryan Caldwell, Willie Faloon, Nigel Brady, Robbie Diack, Stephen Ferris, Pedrie Wannenburg, Dan Tuohy.