Ulster have been given a major boost after fit winger Robert Balukuna was named as a starter for Friday’s European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier.
Balukuon suffered an elbow injury during Ireland’s Triple Crown win over Scotland in March and is expected to be sidelined for three months.
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But after returning to training early, the 28-year-old was selected on the right wing by manager Richie Murphy to help Ulster end their 20-year wait for the trophy.
Balukuon, who has had six shots on goal in seven games for Ulster this season, joins Mike Lowry and leading goal scorer Zac Ward in the back three, with Jacob Stockdale already ruled out.
Jude Postlethwaite joins James Hume in midfield in the absence of Stuart McCloskey, while first-choice centre-back pairing Jack Murphy and Nathan Doak return to the starting line-up after coming on as substitutes in United’s Rugby Championship defeat to Glasgow last week.
Angus Bell returns for his Ulster swansong with a loose head and Tom O’Toole keeping a tight head before returning to Australia. A calf problem for experienced hooker Rob Herring means Tom Stewart completes the front row.
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Captain Iain Henderson is suspended, with Harry Sheridan partnering Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row, while flanker David McCann has returned to fitness to start alongside stand-in captain Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus in the back row.
Murphy opted for a five-on-three lineup on the bench, with James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Charlie Owen and Bryn Ward providing forward cover, and Connor McGee, Jack Flannery and Ethan McIlroy as back-up substitutes.
line-up
Ulster: M Lowry; R Baloucoune, J Hume, J Postlethwaite, Z Ward; J Murphy, N Doc; A Bell, T Stewart, T O’Toole, H Sheridan, C Izuchukwu, D McCann, N Timoney (captain), J Augustus.
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Alternatives: J. McCormick, E. O’Sullivan, S. Wilson, C. Owen, B. Ward, C. McGee, J. Flannery, E. McIlroy.