STUART OLDING HAS been released by Joe Schmidt to play for Ulster in tomorrow evening’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingspan Stadium.
The 21-year-old, who has been with the international panel this week in Carton House, starts at fullback for the visit of the Welsh side as Ulster look to bounce back from last week’s disappointing Champions Cup defeat to Toulon.
Despite their European campaign hanging by a thread after successive reversals, Ulster have started the Pro12 season strongly having won four and drawn one of their opening six games.
Olding switches to the fullback berth in a back line reshuffle in the absence of Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne and Craig Gilroy. Darren Cave returns to the midfield while Louis Ludik switches to the right wing.
In all, Neil Doak has made seven changes. Roger Wilson, who will play his 163rd game for the province, captains from Number 8 while Rob Herring is given the opportunity at hooker in the absence of Rory Best.
Newport have lost five of their six Pro12 outings this term but include former British and Irish Lion Andy Powell in their side.
Ulster
15. Stuart Olding
14. Louis Ludik
13. Darren Cave
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Peter Nelson
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Paul Marshall
1. Callum Black
2. Rob Herring
3. Wiehahn Herbst
4. Louis Stevenson
5. Franco van der Merwe
6. Clive Ross
7. Sean Reidy
8. Roger Wilson (capt)
Replacements
16. Ricky Andrew
17. Andrew Warwick
18. Declan Fitzpatrick
19. Neil McComb
20. Robbie Diack
21. Michael Heaney
22. Iain Humphreys
23. Ricky Andrew
