Youthful side for Ulster against Neath

Ulster have named a youthful side to take on Neath in this Friday's friendly at The Gnoll (kick off 19.15).

Eighteen-year-old Phoenix Academy players Peter Nelson and Christopher Farrell, along with 20-year-old Michael Allen, will all make their first senior appearance for Ulster.

Nelson (fullback) and Farrell (outside centre) have impressed for the U20s during their pre-season friendlies and head coach Brian McLaughlin has given them a chance to impress on a bigger stage. Michael Allen played a number of games for the Ravens last year and has been handed the right wing berth by the coaching staff.

The three youngsters are joined in the backs by centre Luke Marshall, outhalf Paddy Jackson and winger Craig Gilroy, all of whom made their debuts for Ulster last season. Ian Porter will start at scrumhalf against the welsh outfit.

In the pack, Lewis Stevenson will captain the side from second row, where he is partnered by neil McComb. Paddy McAllister and Jerry Cronin will scrum down either side of Ballymena hooker john Burns. The back row has a balanced look about it with new recruit Mike McComish starting at blindside flank, Willie Faloon occupying the openside role and Robbie Diack at the base of the scrum.

The replacements bench has an equally youthful look, which includes Academy players Stuart Olding, Blane McIlroy, Ali Birch, Conor Gaston and James Simpson. Front row players Andrew Warwick, Callum Black and Adam Macklin complete the line up on the bench.

Ulster (15-9):Peter Nelson; Michael Allen, Christopher Farrell, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy; Patrick Jackson, Ian Porter (1-8): Paddy McAllister, John Burns, Jerry Cronin, Lewis Stevenson (capt), Neil McComb, Michael McComish, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack

Replacements (16-23): Andrew Warwick, Callum Black, Adam Macklin, James Simpson, Ali Birch, Blane McIlroy, Stuart Olding, Conor Gaston.