Duffy to skipper Connacht for first time

Former Ireland Schools captain Gavin Duffy will fill that role for Connacht for the first time when his side take on Ulster in the Magners League at Ravenhill on Friday night (kick off 7.30pm).

Keith Matthews starts for Connacht for the first time since Connacht took on Glasgow in September, having overcome a calf injury.

Tim Donnelly is named among the replacements for the first time this season having overcome a shoulder injury.

CONNACHT (v Ulster): G Duffy (capt); F Carr, M Deane, K Matthews, T Nathan; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Morris, M McCarthy, A Farley, R Ofisa, J O'Connor, C Rigney.

Replacements: A Flavin, R Loughney, A Browne, M Swift, K Campbell, T Donnelly, J Hearty.