Wannenburg returns to boost Ulster

Pedrie Wannenburg has returned to the Ulster squad ahead of Ulster’s must-win RaboDirect PRO12 game against Ospreys at Ravenhill on Friday (kick off 7.05pm).

The South African has recovered from a foot injury which has kept him out for over a month. There is no place in Brian McLaughlin’s 30 man panel for injured captain Johann Muller and centre Darren Cave.

Ireland squad members Dan Tuohy, Paddy Wallace and Chris Henry look set to be available for Ulster despite the 6 Nations game with Italy on Saturday.

Ulster’s three game winning run in the RaboDirect PRO12 ended at the Arms Park against Cardiff Blues on Friday. But the Ulstermen will be happy to return to Ravenhill, where they have suffered just one defeat in their last 17 matches in all competitions.

Ospreys have won three of their last four encounters in the RaboDirect PRO12 and remain in second place in the table. The Welshmen have won all six fixtures they have played against the Irish provinces so far this season and have won their last two games against Ulster.

There are still tickets available for Friday’s game. They can be bought online at www.ulsterrugby.com or by calling the ticket office on 02890493222 (ticketing option). Alternatively, you can pay at the gate on match night.

Please be aware that ticket zoning and scanning will be in operation at the ground this season. Supporters should check their tickets to ensure that they are entering through the correct gate. More details are available at http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/9575.php.

Ulster Rugby would advise supporters coming to the game (gates open 5.30pm) to avoid parking in the immediate vicinity of the Ravenhill Grounds and that the following roads are only accessible for residents and closed to everyone else:
1. Onslow Parade
2. Ravenhill Park
3. Ravenhill Park Gardens
There will also be parking restrictions in place in the Castlereagh area (Mount Merrion Avenue). Supporters are encouraged to make use of the Park ‘n’ Ride facilities at Pirrie Park and along Montgomery Road.

Provisional Ulster Squad to play Ospreys, Friday 24th February, Ravenhill (kick off 7.05pm):

Forwards:
Callum Black, Adam Macklin, John Afoa, Jerry Cronin, Paddy McAllister, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Tim Barker, Neil McComb, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry (capt) Pedrie Wannenburg, Mike McComish, Robbie Diack

Backs:
Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Luke Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Stefan Terblanche, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Chris Cochrane, Simon Danielli, Adam D’Arcy

Unavailable due to injury:
Declan Fitzpatrick, Jared Payne, Johann Muller, Darren Cave, Ali Birch