Outhalf Sam Windsor to make first start for Ulster

Former Worcester player one of four changes for game against Glasgow

Sam Windsor will make his first competitive start for Ulster in Friday’s home game against Glasgow in Belfast. Photograph: Matt Mackey/Inpho/Presseye
Sam Windsor will make his first competitive start for Ulster in Friday’s home game against Glasgow in Belfast. Photograph: Matt Mackey/Inpho/Presseye

Former Worcester outhalf Sam Windsor will make his competitive debut in Ulster's home game against Glasgow Warriors on Friday night (7.30pm).

The 28-year-old Australian-born player, who is Irish-qualified through his parents, takes over from Ian Humphreys, who suffered a concussion in the 17-15 win over Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend.

Paddy Jackson is named on the bench having missed out on the Ireland 23 for the Six Nations game against France.

Stuart McCloskey returns from Ireland camp to take his place at inside centre, with Stuart Olding moving to fullback in place of Louis Ludik.

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There are also two changes in the pack with South African lock Franco van der Merwe returning to join Alan O'Connor in the secondrow in place of Peter Browne.

Nick Williams returns at number eight with Roger Wilson moving to the bench. Ireland openside Chris Henry is in line to return from a shoulder injury to play his first game since the away European Champions Cup game against Oyonnax on January 10th.

Loosehead prop Callum Black, another player to come to Ulster from Worcester, will make his 100th appearance for Ulster on Friday night.

ULSTER (v Glasgow): S Olding; C Gilroy, D Cave, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; S Windsor, R Pienaar; C Black, R Herring (capt), R Lutton; A O'Connor, F van der Merwe; R Diack, S Reidy, N Williams.

Replacements: J Andrew, K McCall, B Ross, C Henry, R Wilson, P Marshall, P Jackson, S Arnold.

GLASGOW: P Murchie; L Jones, G Bryce, S Johnson, R Hughes; G Hunter, A Price; R Grant, P MacArthur, S Puafisi; G Peterson, L Nakarawa; R Harley, S Favaro, R Wilson (capt).

Replacements: J Malcolm, A Allan, D Rae, J Strauss, C Fusaro, G Hart, P Horne, T Naiyaravoro.