Stuart Olding will make his long-awaited return to competitive action on Friday night when he lines out for Ulster A, sponsored by CD Group, in the British & Irish Cup match against Bristol at Ashton Gate (kick off 7.45pm).
The twice-capped Ireland international, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Cardiff last March, has been named at outside centre for the clash against the English Championship outfit.
Olding is one of four newcomers to the starting XV, which is again captained by John Andrew. The other change in the backline sees Connor Young slot in at scrumhalf in place of Dave Shanahan, with fellow Hughes Insurance Academy player Jonny McPhillips partnering him at half back.
Sam Windsor starts alongside Olding in midfield, while the exciting Jacob Stockdale, Robert Lyttle and Roger McBurney are retained in the back three.
Ross Kane has replaced Bronson Ross at tighthead prop and will pack down in a front row that also includes Andy Warwick and his skipper, Andrew.
The other new face in the pack is Stephen Mulholland, who is selected at blindside flanker. That means Conor Joyce shifts to the openside berth, with Lorcan Dow remaining at the base of the scrum. John Donnan and Pete Browne are set to continue their combination in the second row.
Front row players Johnny Murphy, Jonny Simpson and Michael Lagan, along with Alex Thompson and Conall Boomer, will provide cover for the forwards. Academy duo Liam Free and Andrew Magrath will also be hoping for some game time from the bench.
Ulster A team & replacements to face Bristol Rugby, British & Irish Cup, Ashton Gate, Friday 22nd January (7.45pm kick off):
(15-9): R McBurney, R Lyttle, S Olding, S Windsor, J Stockdale, J McPhillips, C Young;
(1-8): A Warwick, J Andrew, R Kane, J Donnan, P Browne, S Mulholland, C Joyce, L Dow;
Replacements (16-22): J Murphy, J Simpson, M Lagan, A Thompson, C Boomer, L Free, A Magrath.
The twice-capped Ireland international, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Cardiff last March, has been named at outside centre for the clash against the English Championship outfit.
Olding is one of four newcomers to the starting XV, which is again captained by John Andrew. The other change in the backline sees Connor Young slot in at scrumhalf in place of Dave Shanahan, with fellow Hughes Insurance Academy player Jonny McPhillips partnering him at half back.
Sam Windsor starts alongside Olding in midfield, while the exciting Jacob Stockdale, Robert Lyttle and Roger McBurney are retained in the back three.
Ross Kane has replaced Bronson Ross at tighthead prop and will pack down in a front row that also includes Andy Warwick and his skipper, Andrew.
The other new face in the pack is Stephen Mulholland, who is selected at blindside flanker. That means Conor Joyce shifts to the openside berth, with Lorcan Dow remaining at the base of the scrum. John Donnan and Pete Browne are set to continue their combination in the second row.
Front row players Johnny Murphy, Jonny Simpson and Michael Lagan, along with Alex Thompson and Conall Boomer, will provide cover for the forwards. Academy duo Liam Free and Andrew Magrath will also be hoping for some game time from the bench.
Ulster A team & replacements to face Bristol Rugby, British & Irish Cup, Ashton Gate, Friday 22nd January (7.45pm kick off):
(15-9): R McBurney, R Lyttle, S Olding, S Windsor, J Stockdale, J McPhillips, C Young;
(1-8): A Warwick, J Andrew, R Kane, J Donnan, P Browne, S Mulholland, C Joyce, L Dow;
Replacements (16-22): J Murphy, J Simpson, M Lagan, A Thompson, C Boomer, L Free, A Magrath.