Trimble set for debut against exiles

Ireland Under-21 centre Andrew Trimble will make his full debut for Ulster in Friday's pre-season friendly against London Irish at Ravenhill (7.30pm).

“This is as good a time as any to give Andrew an opportunity to impress,” said coach Mark McCall. “He had a fantastic Under-21 World Cup, had made great progress in the last twelve months and deserves his chance.”

“He is a great athlete and great rugby player as well. He has trained very well over the summer and he knows what's going on with the squad.”

The Ballymena prodigy will be included alongside his clubmate James Topping, who has not played since breaking his leg last September, and Wallaby warhorse Justin Harrison.

ULSTER (v London Irish): Bryn Cunningham; James Topping, Andrew Trimble, Paul Steinmetz, Tyrone Howe; Paddy Wallace, Kieron Campbell; Bryan Young, Paul Shields, Simon Best (Capt), Justin Harrison, Matt McCullough, Campbell Feather, Neil Best, Roger Wilson.

Replacements: Tommy Bowe, Jonny Bell, Adam Larkin, Reece Spee, Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Henry Head, Rowan Frost, Neil McMillan.

LONDON IRISH: Delon Armitage; Dominic Feau'nati, Scott Staniforth, Mike Catt (Capt), Justin Bishop; Barry Everitt, Ben Willis; Michael Collins, Adrian Flavin, Richard Skuse, Bob Casey, Kieran Roche, Paul Gustard, Declan Danaher, Phil Murphy.

Replacements: Neal Hatley, Robbie Russell, Rob Hardwick, Gary Johnson, Kieron Dawson, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Paul Hodgson, Ross Laidlaw, Shane Geraghty, James Storey.

Referee: Colin Stanley (IRFU).