Ulster's Henderson and Baloucoune return for crucial Munster game

Ulster captain Iain Henderson will make his return from a three-month lay-off after being named in the starting team to face Munster at Thomond Park on Friday (19:35 BST).

The experienced second row has been sidelined with a hamstring issue since Ireland's Six Nations win over England on 1 February.

He is joined by winger Robert Baloucoune, whose only previous appearance this season was a try-scoring one against the Stormers on 28 March.

Mike Lowry has been passed fit to start at full-back after being concussed against Leinster.

Richie Murphy's side are currently three points off the top eight as they chase a spot in the end-of-season play-offs and next season's Champions Cup.

Munster find themselves in a slightly better position, three points ahead of Ulster in ninth spot in the United Rugby Championship table.

Interim Munster boss Ian Costello makes five changes from the defeat by Cardiff two weeks ago as Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Peter O'Mahony, John Hodnett and Diarmuid Kilgallen all return.

The game will mark the Thomond Park farewell for former Ireland captain O'Mahony, record Munster cap holder Archer's and ex-Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray, who is on the bench.

Munster: Abrahams; Nash, Farrell, Nankivell, Kilgallen; Crowley, Casey; Milne, Scannell, Archer; Kleyn, Beirne (capt); O'Mahony, Hodnett, Coombes.

Replacements: Barron, J Wycherley, Ryan, F Wycherley, Ahern, Murray, O'Brien, Kendellen.

Ulster: Lowry, Baloucoune, Postlethwaite, McCloskey, Stockdale; Murphy, Doak; Warwick, Herring, Wilson; Henderson (capt), Izuchukwu; Matty Rea, Timoney, McNabney.

Replacements: Stewart, Reid, O'Toole, O'Connor, McCann, Shanahan, Stewart Moore, Kok.