Ulster announce squad v. Stade Francais

Ulster head coach Matt Williams has Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace, Ian Humphreys, Rory Best, Justin Fitzpatrick and Stephen Ferris from his 24-man squad ahead of the trip to play Stade Francais in this Saturday's Heineken Cup match against Stade Francais at the Stade Jean Bouin.

A rotation of bodies enables Stuart Philpot, Declan Fitzpatrick, Niall O’Connor and Rob Dewey to stake their claims for more regular inclusion.

Williams said: "There are a lot of guys in the squad who are putting their hands up week after week, and saying they are ready and want to be given a chance. Take Chris Henry, he has been asking me for his chance to start and against Quins he got it, and played tremendously.

"Players like Ian Whitten and Willie Faloon are saying to me they want to have a go. They have really fought hard for their chance to start, and Saturday’s match may just be that chance. We will look at things over the next few training days and then make our final a decision.”

ULSTER SQUAD (v Stade Francais):

Forwards: Bryan Young; Stuart Philpott; Declan Fitzpatrick; Nigel Brady; Tom Court; Brendon Botha; Ed O’Donoghue; Matt McCullough; Kieron Dawson; David Pollock; Chris Henry; Willie Faloon; Ryan Caldwell

Backs: Clinton Schifcofske; Bryn Cunningham; Niall O’Connor; Andrew Trimble; Ian Whitten; Paul Marshall; Isaac Boss; Paul Steinmetz; Rob Dewey; Mark McCrea; Simon Danielli.