New signing Terblanche included in Ulster’s provisional squad

Ulster have included new signing Stefan Terblanche in their provisional squad ahead of Friday's Heineken Cup Round 3 fixture against Aironi at Ravenhill (7.30pm).

The South African fullback arrived in Belfast over the weekend and is in contention to play some part against the Italians.

The 36-year-old has been drafted in on a short-term deal as cover for Jared Payne, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Declan Fitzpatrick is again ruled out with a neck injury suffered in the Glasgow game two weeks ago. Ruan Pienaar came through his 20-minute cameo against Scarlets on Friday unscathed and is back in contention for a starting place.

The Ulstermen shared a pool with Aironi in last season’s tournament and picked up 10 points from the two games, scoring ten tries in the process.

This season, Ulster currently sit in third place after two rounds, two points behind Clermont Auvergne and four behind leaders Leicester.

Friday’s opponents Aironi are yet to register a point in this year’s competition.

Provisional Ulster Squad:

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

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

Unavailable due to injury: Paddy Wallace, Jared Payne, Declan Fitzpatrick.