Humphreys returns for Ulster to face Dragons

EUROPEAN CUP: Ireland outhalf David Humphreys, who withdrew from last Friday's side that beat The Borders in the Celtic League, will line out for Ulster on Sunday against Gwent Dragons in the province's first Heineken European Cup Pool One match.

Humphreys, who is a crucial player for the province in the pivot position both for his place-kicking and for directing play, has had a scan on his injured calf which has shown no damage, and he is now expected to take full part in a practice session tomorrow.

As a result, coach Alan Solomons has named an unchanged back line from that originally selected to play last week.

Adam Larkin, who had successfully replaced Humphreys as Ulster's primary kicker throughout the first part of the season, has also fully recovered from a back injury which led to his withdrawal last Friday, and he has been named among the replacements.

Gary Longwell also comes back into the side and will make his first start for Ulster since returning from the World Cup in Australia and will partner Rowan Frost in the second row.

Solomons, however, must wait to see how tonight's hearing in Dublin on Springbok front-row Robbie Kempson pans out.

Kempson, who pulled out of the South African World Cup squad just before the competition began and played last week against Borders for the first time since returning from surgery, is alleged to have head-butted an opponent during the match at Ravenhill.

Despite the hearing, Solomons has selected him as his starting loosehead prop while the management team prepare his defence.

Kempson came on as a second-half replacement last week against Borders and is seen as a key player for Ulster's European campaign.

Munster will not be selecting a team to face Bourgoin in their Pool Five game until later today but will definitely be without winger Anthony Horgan, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

David Pusey, still suffering from ankle problems, is also doubtful for the match but the good news is that centre Rob Henderson may well be fit enough to move to a place on the bench against a side which made it through to the French Cup final last season.

The former Lions player has not played for Munster since last season, when an injury to his arm required surgery.

Having missed the World Cup and Munster's Celtic League matches to date, he has now completed full training sessions with the squad over the last few weeks.

John Kelly may also make a return and if that is the case, the place of Mossie Lawlor, who started on the wing last week in Munster's 31-10 victory over Cardiff Blues, may come under pressure.

Following on Munster's exceptional record in the European Cup and their loyal support, the province recently opened their own retail outlet in Rutland Street, Limerick.

Munster officials say that their purchase of the shop, previously known as Rugby Plus, means that they have become the only club outside of France to have a high street store dedicated to selling their own merchandise.

The province, which has reached at least the semi-finals of the last four European Championships, have again targeted the final, which this year is to be staged at Twickenham on Sunday, May 23rd.

ULSTER (v Gwent Dragons): B Cunningham, J Topping, R Constable, P Steinmetz, T Howe; D Humphreys, N Doak; R Kempson, M Sexton, S Best, R Frost, G Longwell, A Ward (Captain), N Best, R Wilson.

Replacements: P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, T McWhirter, K Campbell, A Larkin, S Stewart.