Ulster will be without Cormac Izuchukwu for tomorrow’s URC clash at Ospreys (7.45pm) after the Ireland forward suffered a concussion at training.
The 26-year-old was one of 11 players released from international camp by Ireland coach Andy Farrell after last weekend’s win over England in the Six Nations but will miss the tie in Wales as he goes through the graduated return-to-play protocols.
The Offaly man won his fourth cap in Ireland’s win over Italy in round two.
It is not known if he has been ruled out of Friday week’s meeting with Wales in round four of the championship in Aviva Stadium.
However, Richie Murphy, whose side are fourth in the table, is able to welcome back four other squad members from the national camp.
Experienced prop Eric O’Sullivan starts at loosehead, alongside Irish international hooker Tom Stewart, and tighthead Scott Wilson.
Captain Iain Henderson is in the second row alongside Charlie Irvine.
The 23-year-old lock scored his first Ulster try in the round-11 victory over Cardiff at Affidea Stadium last month.
In the back row, Matty Dalton continues at blindside flanker, Bryn Ward returns from Irish camp to start at openside flanker and David McCann starts at number 8.
Nathan Doak returns to start at scrum-half alongside Jack Murphy at fly-half.
Jude Postlethwaite returns to the starting XV at inside centre, partnering James Hume at outside centre.
Zac Ward and Werner Kok start on the left and right wings respectively with Michael Lowry at full-back.
Murphy goes for a 5:3 split among the replacements, with Rob Herring, Angus Bell, Bryan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan and Marcus Rea providing the forward impact from the bench.
Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Ben Carson are the backline cover.
Ulster: Michael Lowry (Dromore RFC); Werner Kok (Hoërskool Nelspruit), James Hume (Malone RFC), Jude Postlethwaite (Lisburn RFC), Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC); Jack Murphy (Clontarf RFC), Nathan Doak (Lisburn RFC); Eric O’Sullivan (St Mary’s College RFC), Tom Stewart (Belfast Royal Academy), Scott Wilson (Dromore RFC); Iain Henderson (capt) (Belfast Royal Academy), Charlie Irvine (Lisburn RFC); Matthew Dalton (Belfast Royal Academy), David McCann (Cooke RFC), Bryn Ward (Ballynahinch RFC).
Replacements: Rob Herring (SACS), Angus Bell (Hunter’s Hill RUFC), Bryan O’Connor (Crosshaven RFC), Harry Sheridan (Civil Service NI RFC), Marcus Rea (Ballymena RFC), Conor McKee (CIYMS RFC), Jake Flannery (Kilfeacle & District RFC), Ben Carson (Lisburn RFC).
Bundee Aki starts on the bench for Connacht
There are four changes to the Connacht side that beat Zebre last time out to face leaders Glasgow at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm, live on RTÉ Radio 1).
Finn Treacy comes on the left wing, props Denis Buckley and the fit-again Sam Illo are drafted into the front row, and there’s a start for lock David O’Connor.
Hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin and lock Joe Joyce complete the tight five, while the back row is unchanged with captain Paul Boyle alongside fellow flanker Sean O’Brien and number 8 Sean Jansen.
Caolin Blade and Josh Ioane continue their 9 and 10 partnership, as do Cathal Forde and Harry West at centre. Completing the side is right winger Shane Jennings and in-form full-back Sam Gilbert.
The coaching team have a healthy mix of youth and experience on the bench, with academy front rowers Billy Bohan and Matthew Victory alongside the experienced international trio of Cian Prendergast, Jack Carty and Bundee Aki, who has returned from suspension.
Connacht: Sam Gilbert (Lincoln University / St. Andrew’s College); Shane Jennings (Ballinasloe RFC / Garbally College), Harry West (Ballina RFC / St. Muredach’s College), Cathal Forde (Corinthians RFC / Coláiste Iognáid), Finn Treacy (Greystones RFC / Presentation College Bray); Josh Ioane (Southern Magpies / King’s College), Caolin Blade (Monivea RFC / Clarin College); Denis Buckley (Creggs RFC / Blackrock College), Dylan Tierney-Martin (Corinthians RFC / The Bish), Sam Illo (Old Wesley RFC / Wesley College); David O’Connor (St. Mary’s College RFC / Blackrock College), Joe Joyce (Southmead RFC / Filton College); Paul Boyle (capt) (Gorey RFC / Gorey Community College), Sean O’Brien (Greystones RFC / Blackrock College), Sean Jansen (Green Island / Otago High School).
Replacements: Matthew Victory (Bective Rangers RFC / St. Michael’s College), Billy Bohan (Newbridge RFC / Newbridge College), Jack Aungier (Suttonians RFC / St. Fintan’s High School), Josh Murphy (Clontarf RFC / St. Michael’s College), Cian Prendergast (Newbridge RFC / Newbridge College), Colm Reilly (Ballinasloe RFC / Garbally College), Jack Carty (Buccaneers RFC / Marist College), Bundee Aki (Borneo Eagles / Manurewa High School).