Constable returns for Ulster

Centre Ryan Constable has been declared medically fit to play rugby after sustaining a neck injury in the match against the Celtic Warriors on the 27 December and will be involved in the crucial Heineken Cup clash with Cardiff.

Full-back Bryn Cunningham and winger Sheldon Coulter have both been named in the Ulster side despite requiring stitches and sustaining a blow to the nose respectively against Munster.

Prop Justin Fitzpatrick will miss the clash with Cardiff as a result of a 10 day suspension received at a disciplinary hearing last night in Dublin following his sending off during Ulster's Celtic League semi-final clash against Munster.

Fit again, Russell Nelson moves to the bench, and Clem Boyd returns to the 22 with Simon Best having moved to the starting line-up in the absence of Justin Fitzpatrick.

Ulster (v Cardiff): Bryn Cunningham; James Topping; Ryan Constable; Shane Stewart; Sheldon Coulter; David Humphreys; Neil Doak; Robbie Kempson; Matt Sexton; Simon Best; Gary Longwell; Jeremy Davidson; Andy Ward (Captain); Neil McMillan; Tony McWhirter.

Replacements: Clem Boyd; Paul Shields; Mark Blair; Russell Nelson; Kieran Campbell; Jan Cunningham; Scott Young.