Trimble back for Ulster as Sarries sign up Gaffney

ANDREW TRIMBLE returns to the Ulster line-up for their trip to Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, the only change to the side that defeated the Dragons three weeks ago.

Trimble, 21, who has agreed a three-year contract but has yet to put pen to paper, returns for his first start for second-placed Ulster since February 17 due to his Ireland duty.

He takes over in the centre from Paul Steinmetz who picked up a fractured cheekbone in that Dragon's game. Trimble joins veteran Jonny Bell in midfield.

The only other change in the squad is the return of James Topping to the bench for Kevin Maggs who has a hamstring problem.

The Warriors, who have lost their last three Celtic League fixtures, were beaten 25-23 at Ravenhill at the start of January.

Ulster coach Mark McCall's is concerned that his side will have only one game in April.

"There have been big gaps in our match programme, but to be fair to the players they have responded extremely well in what has been a fractured season. We have had two really good sessions this week so far, and we are ready for what will be a tough challenge from Glasgow at Firhill."

ULSTER: B Cunningham, T Bowe, A Trimble, J Bell, A Maxwell, D Humphreys, I Boss, B Young, R Best, S Best (capt), J Harrison, M McCullough, N Best, S Ferris, R Wilson.

Replacements: N Brady, J Fitzpatrick, R Caldwell, N McMillan, K Campbell, A Larkin, J Topping.

Meanwhile, Saracens have appointed former Munster coach Alan Gaffney as their new director of rugby. The Australian, 58, who replaces the sacked Steve Diamond, will take up his post at the end of the season.

Head coach Mike Ford and acting director of rugby Eddie Jones will remain in charge for the final three Premiership games.

"I'm absolutely delighted. I'd always wanted to coach in the English Premiership," said Gaffney.

"This is a great opportunity. I'm really looking forward to getting involved. I've already met with a lot of the guys and they seem a good bunch who I look forward to getting to know better over the next few weeks. In this day and age, it doesn't matter so much where your rugby expertise lays, you've got to be able to manageplayers."

He joined Munster in 2002 and helped the club twice reach the Heineken Cup semi-finals alongwith winning the Celtic League and Cup.

Ireland international Ronan O'Gara believes Saracens have made an inspired choice.

"He will make a great difference to Saracens - they have got themselves a fantastic coach."