Ulster name side to face Exeter

Ian Humphreys will make his first appearance in an Ulster shirt since 2012 when the province step up their pre-season preparations with a friendly against the Exeter Chiefs at Ravenhill tomorrow night.

Humphreys, who returned to Belfast during the summer after a spell with London Irish, will start at outhalf alongside Paul Marshall in a largely experimental selection from interim coach Les Kiss.

Kiss, who took over on a temporary basis following the abrupt departure of Mark Anscombe in the close-season, will blood a number of academy players against the Chiefs while also giving new signings Franco van der Merwe and Louis Ludik their first taste of action in an Ulster jersey.

In total 34 players have been selected in the extended panel which will allow the Ulster coaches the opportunity to try out combinations ahead of their Pro12 curtain raiser at the Scarlets on Saturday, September 6th.

Ulster (v Exeter, kick-off 7.30pm): R Andrew; R Scholes, L Ludik, M Allen, J Stockdale; I Humphreys, P Marshall; C Black, J Andrew, D Fitzpatrick; A O'Connor, F van der Merwe; C Butterworth, S Reidy, R Wilson. Replacements: K McCall, J Murphy, A Warwick, R Murphy, B Ross, W Herbst, L Stevenson, N McComb, J Simpson, C Joyce, C Ross, M McComish, F Taggart, J Atkinson, M Heaney, D Shanahan, R Adair, J Owens, S O'Hagan.