Ulster put faith in Trimble for Dragons tie

ULSTER have moved 20-year-old Andrew Trimble from wing to centre for tomorrow’s Celtic League game away to the Dragons.

He replaces Paul Steinmetz, who is sidelined for four weeks with a broken jaw, while former international James Topping is recalled to the left wing.

For their part, the Dragons’ request to have Lion Michael Owen available has been denied. But fly-half Craig Warlow returns after a stomach bug, while locks Ian Gough (eye) and Luke Charteris (calf) have recovered from their knocks to start.

Meanwhile, French referee Joel Jutge will take charge of the opening match of the Heineken Cup tournament between Sale and Munster in Sale on Friday, October 21.

Jutge, who heads the tournament’s referee appearance list, will take charge of his 32nd Heineken Cup match when the competition kicks-off next month, one ahead of Irish referee Alan Lewis and England’s Chris White.

Lewis will be on duty at Welford Road when double champions Leicester Tigers clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne, while White takes charge of the match between champions Toulouse and Llanelli Scarlets.

David Pearson and Tony Spreadbury of England will take charge of Munster’s second and third round fixtures against Castres and Newport Gwent Dragons respectively.