Ward to make Ulster debut in much-changed team

Zac Ward shone for Ireland sevens at the Olympic Games in Paris

Zac Ward will make his senior debut for Ulster as part of a much-changed team for Saturday's Investec Champions Cup game against Bordeaux-Begles at Kingspan Stadium.

Ward, who shone for Ireland sevens in the Paris Olympics before joining the Ulster squad at the start of this season, starts on the left wing.

His inclusion is one of 10 personnel changes from the side that began last week's 61-21 defeat by holders Toulouse in France.

Jude Postlethwaite is drafted in at centre, with Michael Lowry moving to full-back.

Head coach Richie Murphy has opted to change his entire pack, with seven Ireland internationals named among the forwards.

Hooker Rob Herring makes his first Ulster start of the campaign and is joined in the front row by Eric O'Sullivan and Tom O'Toole.

In the second row Iain Henderson returns to captain the side for the Pool 1 fixture as he makes his 50th European appearance, where he is joined by Kieran Treadwell.

Cormac Izuchukwu and Nick Timoney are the flankers, with David McCann selected at number eight.

Aidan Morgan and Nathan Doak again make up the half-back partnership.

Academy utility back Rory Telfer is in line for his senior debut off the bench while James Humphreys could make a maiden Champions Cup appearance if he is called upon.

Ulster: Lowry; Kok, Postlethwaite, McCloskey, Ward; Morgan, Doak; O'Sullivan, Herring, O'Toole; Henderson (capt), Treadwell; Izuchukwu, Timoney, McCann.

Replacements: Andrew, Warwick, Wilson, Sheridan, Marcus Rea, Shanahan, Humphreys, Telfer.