Afoa named in extended Ulster squad

New Zealnd World Cup winner John Afoa may make his debut for Ulster this Saturday when they welcome Connacht to Ravenhill (5.35pm).

New Zealand World Cup winner John Afoa may make his debut for Ulster this Saturday when they welcome Connacht to Ravenhill (5.35pm).

The Kiwi has been named in a 31-man provisional squad along with Stephen Ferris and Rory Best as Brian McLaughlin attempts to salvage his side from their current run of poor form.

The extended squad boasts a full complement of international players this week.

The Ulster starting XV and replacements will be named on Friday.

Forwards: Tom Court, John Afoa, Paddy McAllister, Adam Macklin, Callum Black, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Rory Best, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Neil McComb, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack, Mike McComish, Pedrie Wannenburg, Willie Faloon, Stephen Ferris

Backs: Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy, Simon Danielli, Adam D’Arcy