Forward Lorcan McLoughlin will make his first start for Ulster in Sunday’s United Rugby Championship game against Zebre at Ravenhill.
McLoughlin made his debut off the bench against South African side the Lions last season. The 22-year-old blind-side flanker will join Nick Timoney and David McCann in the back row for the clash with the Italian side.
Hooker Tom Stewart returns to the starting line-up for the first time since last term, while fullback Mike Lowry replaces the injured Werner Kok on the wing. Zac Ward will start on the opposite wing,
John Cooney will make his 150th appearance for the club, with Jack Murphy retaining his position, while second rows Kieran Treadwell and Harry Sheridan are drafted in.
Zabre sit one from bottom in the URC with just two victories, while Ulster are in fourth position.
Ulster: S Moore; M Lowry, B Carson, J Postlethwaite, Z Ward; J Murphy, J Cooney; E O’Sullivan, T Stewart, S Wilson; K Treadwell, H Sheridan; L McLoughlin, N Timoney (capt), D McCann.
Replacements: C Reid, J Andrew, C Barrett, A O’Connor, Matty Rea, N Doak, J Flannery, R Lyttle.