Ferris and Botha return to Ulster squad

Springbok BJ Botha and Ireland’s Stephen Ferris return to the Ulster squad for Ulster's Heineken Cup Pool match against Stade Francais at Ravenhill on Saturday.

Ulster assistant coach Jeremy Davidson said: "I think it will be very important for us to give Stade a warm welcome up-front, in the early exchanges, so that we can set our stall out, against what is essentially a very strong international team. The players know they all have to play at maximum level, go out there all guns blazing for the full 80 minutes.

"If Stade get it right on the day, not only are they one of the best sides in France, they are one of the best in Europe. They are an exceptionally good team with world-class players' in every position. There is no room for errors in play or set pieces come Saturday.

"The Ravenhill crowd and their roar are of vital importance to the team. They give so much support and encouragement, we really need them to get behind the team from the very start and keep us going."

The starting side will be announced at lunchtime on Friday.

ULSTER SQUAD (v Stade Francais):

Forwards: Bryan Young, Tom Court, BJ Botha, Declan Fitzpatrick, Justin Fitzpatrick, Andy Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Ryan Caldwell, Ed O'Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, David Pollock, Chris Henry, TJ Anderson

Backs: Jamie Smith, Clinton Schifcofske, Timoci Naugsa, Simon Danielli, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Jonny Shiels, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Isaac Boss, Paul Marshall