Ferris Returns From Injury For Ulster

Ulster coach Matt Williams has named a 25-man squad to travel to Swansea this weekend to take on the Ospreys.

The squad welcomes back Ireland back rower Stephen Ferris, who has been troubled with a back injury since the Ireland summer tour.

Raring to go, Ferris said: “I am really glad to be getting the chance to play this weekend. I don’t mind if I play 6 or 8, I am just looking forward to getting some game-time and getting back on that pitch.

“We always seem to do alright against the Ospreys, and if we can cut out the errors from previous games and keep our set-piece play tight, then I think we can get a result.

“It will be a tough task against the Ospreys, they are an impressive side. It is going to be strange playing against Tommy (Bowe) but the friendships will be left behind in the changing room.”

Also included in the extended squad is scrum half Paul Marshall, who replaces Cillian Willis in the squad. Ulster player/coach Paul Steinmetz is also welcomed back into the squad, as is Stuart Philpott.

The Ulstermen will be battling for a win this weekend after a series of disappointing defeats at the hands of the Welsh.

The Ospreys are currently second in the Magners League having won three out of four games so far this season.

Ulster assistant coach and former Wales international Steve Williams knows what his men will be up against on Saturday afternoon:

He said: “It will be a different type of game. They present a real physical challenge and have some superb individual players.

“Liberty Stadium is a fantastic stadium to play in and a tough place to play, but as a player you have to be excited about playing against the Ospreys at the Liberty.

“All our players are looking forward to it. We know we have only been a dropped pass or missed kick away from being further up the table. We see the Ospreys game as our chance.”

ULSTER Squad (v Ospreys): Backs (11) – Niall O’Connor, Bryn Cunningham, Timoci Nagusa, Rob Dewey, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Clinton Schifcofske, Isaac Boss, Paul Steinmetz, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys.

Forwards (14) – Justin Fitzpatrick, Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Rory Best, BJ Botha, Carlo Del Fava, Ed O’Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Matt McCullough, Kieron Dawson, Robbie Diack, Thomas Anderson, Stuart Philpott, Stephen Ferris.