Ferris out of Ulster squad

Coach Brian McLaughlin has left Stephen Ferris out of an extended 28-man squad for Ulster's Magners League fixture against Newport Gwent Dragons at Ravenhill on Friday.

McLaughlin said: “It is great to get back to Magners League rugby. This is a really big game for us, and we are looking forward to playing again at Ravenhill in front of our fantastic home support.

"This will be our first fixture since our away win in Bath at the end of January, so we will have to be very focused and play at our very best to beat this quality Dragons side.

"The supporters’ in Bath were magnificent, and their role in our victory that day was massive. They lifted us, and kept us going, especially in the final 20 minutes when we were under huge pressure, all of us really appreciated that. We need the same again come Friday night".

The team will be announced at 12noon on Thursday

ULSTER SQUAD (v The Dragons):

Forwards: Tom Court, Bryan Young, B.J. Botha, Declan Fitzpatrick, Nigel Brady, Rory Best, Andi Kyriacou, Ryan Caldwell, Dan Tuohy, Ed O’Donoghue, Willie Faloon, David Pollock, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Thomas Anderson;

Backs: Isaac Boss, Cillian Willis, Paul Marshall, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Niall O’Connor, Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Simon Danielli, Timoci Nagusa, Andrew Trimble, Jamie Smith.