Ward to lead out Ulster against Biarritz

After an enforced two month leave of absence, Andy Ward will once again captain Ulster when they tackle Biarritz in the Heineken Cup on Friday night.

The White Knights skipper is back in action after a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to ankle problems and will lead out his side when the host the French at Ravenhill.

Ward featured in Ulster's 20-17 Celtic League win over Glasgow on Saturday, scoring his side's second try having coming on as a replacement after the break, and coach Alan Solomons will be delighted the New Zealand-born number eight is fit enough to last the full 80 minutes on Friday.

Solomons will also welcome back his international lock Gary Longwell. The Ireland second row has been named in Solomon's starting XV but there remains some doubt over his involvement and Mark Blair remains on standby should Longwell fail to reach peak fitness in time.

Having scored Ulster's first try on Saturday, replacement hooker Paul Shields may consider himself unlucky not to make the starting line-up. Instead, Solomons has opted to retain the services of the "bigger, older and more experienced" Matt Sexton who he considers a better scrummager, a vital asset against the heavy Biarritz pack.

Elsewhere, Ryan Constable replaces the injured Shane Stewart in an otherwise unchanged backline.

Meanwhile, Leinster coach Matt Williams will have the consolation of a strong panel to choose from for the unenviable visit to Montferrand on Saturday afternoon.

Williams was hit yesterday with the news that international prop Paul Wallace will be out of action until January with a damaged ankle. However, other injury concerns have cleared up with Denis Hickie, Keith Gleeson and Malcolm O'Kelly back in training and all three should start in France.

Also back in action are Eric Miller and long-term absentee Nathan Spooner, although both are likely to start initially on the replacements bench. Aidan McCullen, impressive during Millers injury lay-off, should retain his place in the back row while Chirstian Warner will keep his place at number 10 with Spooner lacking match fitness after so long on the sidelines.

Leinster will name their side on Thursday afternoon.

Ulster: B Cunningham; J Topping; R Constable, J Bell, S Young; D Humphreys, N Doak; J Fitzpatrick, M Sexton, R Kempson, G Longwell, J Davidson, W Brosnihan, N McMillan, A Ward, capt. Replacements: S Best, P Shields, M Blair, T McWhirter, K Campbell, A Larkin, S Coulter.