With Dan Tuohy and Iain Henderson on the long-term injury list, Ulster have brought in New Zealand underage international Ronald Raaymakers to provide cover in the second row.
The 24-year-old will arrive at Ravenhill on a short term contract from Counties Manukau Steelers, where he is captain, in Auckland following the conclusion of the ITM Cup.
The Steelers have three games left in the competition, finishing against Auckland up on October 12th.
“It has always been an ambition of mine to play overseas and when the opportunity came up to join Ulster I had no hesitation in saying yes,” Raaymakers said today.
“I look forward to joining up with the squad next month and to playing my part in helping Ulster Rugby be successful this season.”
Raaymakers has represented New Zealand at U20 level and made two Super Rugby appearances for the Auckland Blues in 2013. He has played 50 games for the Steelers so far and will captain the side on Saturday against Wellington.
Les Kiss, meanwhile, has made 10 changes to the team that beat Cardiff 26-9 last weekend for tomorrow afternoon’s match at Zebre (3pm Irish time).
Up front, there is a whole new front row wi th Callum Black named at loosehead, Rob Herring selected at hooker and Declan Fitzpatrick, who has recovered from injury, starting at tighthead prop.
In the second row, Franco van der Merwe is joined by Neil McComb who starts his first match of the season, while ex Lansdowne player, Clive Ross, starts his first competitive match for the province at openside.
Stuart McCloskey makes his first start of the season at centre while Paddy Jackson is partnered by Michael Heaney in the half-backs.
Ulster: Craig Gilroy; Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Stuart McCIoskey, Michael Allen; Paddy Jackson, Michael Heaney; Callum Black, Rob Herring, Declan Fitzpatrick; Neil McComb, Franco van der Merwe; Roger Wilson (Capt), Clive Ross, Nick Williams. Replacements: Rory Best, Ruaidhri Murphy, Wiehahn Hrbst, Lewis Stevenson, Mike McComish, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Andrew Trimble
