Ulster’s Ireland trio return for Dragons tie

ULSTER’S international players Kevin Maggs, David Humphreys and Tommy Bowe will face the Dragons at Newport when the Celtic League gets back to business tomorrow night.

All three, along with Simon Best and Gary Longwell, were excused Ireland duties this week and return to action while lock Matt McCullough is back after a spell on the sidelines.

Ulster make four changes to the side that lost 24-9 in a friendly to the Bulls last Friday. Neil Best has recovered from a hand injury.

Andy Ward and Andy Maxwell were not considered due to injury. Ward, however, has eyes on other things at present after agreeing to follow Andre Bester as Director of Rugby at Belfast Harlequins.

Ward, who announced his retirement from representative rugby last month, has signed a three year deal for the Deramore club.

“It’s something I didn’t expect to pan out so soon,” said Ward, who will stay be available to play for Ulster and Ballynahinch until the end of the season.

“I’m really excited about it. It’s not a bad place to go to cut one’s coaching teeth,” said the former Irish international.

“I doubt whether I will be available to play at Quins. I have had so many injuries this season that I have had my fill. The last eight years with Ireland and Ulster has finally caught up with me. I’m going to have a rest from playing. I will play a bit of golf in the summer and come back refreshed for the new role.”

ULSTER (v Dragons): B Cunningham, Bowe, Steinmetz, Maggs, Howe; Humphreys, Campbell; S Best, R Best, Moore, Longwell, McCullough, Feather, N Best, Wilson. Replacements (from) Shields, McCormack, Frost, Pfister, Spee, Larkin, Young, Stewart.