Henderson Returns To Ulster Team

Ireland international Iain Henderson will start his first match of the season for Ulster against Leicester Tigers at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm).

Iain Henderson suffered a hip injury in pre-season and comes back into the side at blindside flanker. The return of the 22-year-old is one of eight changes to the starting line-up for last weekend’s 60-22 loss to Toulon.

Ireland internationals Tommy Bowe, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy and Rory Best also return to the team. The other changes see Ian Humphreys named at out-half, Callum Black selected at loosehead prop and Wiehahn Herbst picked at tighthead.

Jared Payne continues at full-back with Bowe starting on the right wing and Gilroy on the left. Darren Cave maintains his place in midfield alongside the returning Marshall who is picked at inside centre.

Ruan Pienaar, who passed the 200-point mark for Ulster in Europe last Saturday, partners former Leicester player Humphreys (pictured below) at half-back.

Black, Best and Herbst form the new-look front row with Alan O’Connor and Franco van der Merwe continuing their partnership in the second row.

Henderson is joined in the back row by openside flanker Mike McComish, the province’s two-try hero against Toulon, and number 8 Roger Wilson.

Forwards Rob Herring, Andrew Warwick, Bronson Ross, Lewis Stevenson, Clive Ross and Neil McComb are named as replacements, along with backs Paul Marshall and Michael Allen.

Tickets for the round 6 game, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 and BBC Radio Ulster MW, are still available and can be purchased online by clicking here. 

Fans will also be able to buy on the gate on Saturday evening, although for the best available tickets, supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance.

ULSTER (v Leicester Tigers): Jared Payne; Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy; Ian Humphreys, Ruan Pienaar; Callum Black, Rory Best (capt), Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O’Connor, Franco van der Merwe, Iain Henderson, Mike McComish, Roger Wilson.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Andrew Warwick, Bronson Ross, Lewis Stevenson, Clive Ross, Neil McComb, Paul Marshall, Michael Allen.