New Ulster role for Gilroy

Ulster have suffered a major blow ahead of their crucial Heineken Cup clash with Castres at Olympique at Stade Pierre-Antoine, with talented full-back Jared Payne ruled out after exacerbating a groin injury last week in the victory over Glasgow.

Kiwi Payne has been in exhilarating form both in attack and defence during Ulster’s excellent run this season, and in his absence coach Mark Anscombe has opted for a left-field move by naming Ireland’s excellent young prospect Craig Gilroy in the number 15 jersey — a position he has never played in senior rugby.

In all, Anscombe has made four changes with Ruan Pienaar replacing Paddy Jackson at fly-half and Paul Marshall wearing the number nine jersey. As expected, Roger Wilson, who will be making his 50th European Cup game, takes over from the injured Nick Williams while Neil McComb replaces Iain Henderson at lock to add more bulk to the pack and Michael Allen coming into the left-wing berth for Gilroy.