Duo to make Ulster debuts

Andy Kyriacou and Dan Tuohy will both make their first starts for Ulster in Friday’s pre-season friendly with Newcastle Falcons at Ravenhill.

Former Saracens hooker Kyriacou, who also had a short spell with Munster, will start in the front row alongside Bryan Young and BJ Botha.

Meanwhile, Tuohy, who arrived at Ulster from Exeter Chiefs, will partner Ryan Caldwell in the second row. Elsewhere in the pack, Chris Henry and Willie Faloon will flank Robbie Diack in the back row.

Scrum-half Isaac Boss will lead Ulster out on Friday night, with regular captain Rory Best having been ruled out for the season with a neck problem. Boss will be joined in the half-backs by Ian Humphreys.

Youngsters Ian Whitten and Darren Cave have been paired together in midfield, with Simon Danielli, Clinton Schifcoske and Bryn Cunningham forming an experienced back three.

Ulster’s new management team have decided against fielding any of their Ireland stars in the Falcons clash but they will be considered for the upcoming games against Viadana and Worcester Warriors.

However, Stephen Ferris, who saw his Lions Tour of South Africa cut short by a knee injury, is to be given extra time off and will not be considered for selection until the tail end of September.

ULSTER team v Newcastle: Bryn Cunningham; Clinton Schifcoske, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Simon Danielli; Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss; Bryan Young, Andy Kyriacou, BJ Botha; Dan Tuohy, Ryan Caldwell; Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack.

Replacements: Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Neil McComb, TJ Anderson, Paul Marshall, Niall O'Connor, Nevin Spence.