Best Included In Ulster Squad

Rory Best is in line to make his first appearance of the season for Ulster being named in Mark Anscombe’s preliminary squad for Friday’s derby match against Connacht at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.05pm).

Rory Best, the Ireland hooker, has not played since the third Test against New Zealand in June during the summer tour.

Ulster captain Johann Muller is included after overcoming the niggling injuries which ruled him out of the excellent win over the Cardiff Blues last Friday.

Ireland internationals Stephen Ferris and Declan Fitzpatrick also return to the extended 25-man squad for Ulster’s second home interprovincial tie of the season.

Almost 8,000 tickets have been sold for the game so far, but there is still good availability in all parts of the ground. You can call the Ravenhill Ticket Office on 02890493222 (option 2) or click here to buy tickets.

ULSTER Squad (v Connacht) – Backs (11): Paul Marshall, Michael Heaney, Niall O’Connor, Paddy Jackson, Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy, Jared Payne.

Forwards (14): Rob Herring, Rory Best, Declan Fitzpatrick, John Afoa, Tom Court, Callum Black, Johann Muller, Dan Tuohy, Lewis Stevenson, Stephen Ferris, Mike McComish, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Nick Williams.