Ulster record for Trimble

Ireland winger Andrew Trimble can push aside the disappointment of not being on World Cup duty when he becomes Ulster’s most-capped player this evening when Guinness Pro12 rivals Benetton Treviso visit the Kingspan Stadium.

Trimble, who will be 31 next month, will make his 190th appearance for Ulster, bypassing the total held by Paddy Wallace who retired at the start of last season. The Coleraine-born Trimble has scored 64 tries for Ulster after making his debut against the Cardiff Blues back in 2005.

He picked up an injury in the opening game against the Ospreys. Trimble underwent a fitness test yesterday and came through to take his place on the right wing with Craig Gilroy on the left with Peter Nelson and Paul Marshall again at half-back.

As is his usual form, Trimble played down any thoughts of hitting his milestone. “Whenever I started my career I wouldn’t have dreamed that I would get to 190 appearances for Ulster,” said the 58-times capped Ireland star, who last season scooped a host of player of the year gongs.

“Every game has been unbelievable, especially the matches at Kingspan Stadium on a Friday night. Paddy (Wallace) is a guy who I have a massive amount of respect for so overtaking his total means a lot. It’s going to be a very special night for me.”

Meanwhile, Luke Marshall and Stuart McCloskey continue their partnership in midfield, while up front Andrew Warwick and Wiehahn Herbst are selected either side of captain Rob Herring. Ireland lock Peter Browne returns in the second row. Nick Williams is unavailable due to personal reasons, and the back-row sees Robbie Diack at blindside, Sean Reidy in at openside, and Roger Wilson at the base of the scrum.

Treviso, who travel without a raft of their international stars who are in England, have lost their last nine games and haven’t won on the road since 2013.