Key Ulster figures back

Ulster coach Harry Williams makes six changes from the team that lost to Llanelli for Sunday's European Cup clash with Wasps at Loftus Road. Injury deprives Williams of the services of left wing Spencer Bromley and number eight Tony McWhirter.

Tyrone Howe comes in on the left wing while international Eric Miller moves to his preferred position of number eight to replace McWhirter. Dion O'Cuinneagain, recently returned from South Africa, is included at blind-side wing forward. Mark Blair gets the vote over Gary Longwell as Paddy Johns's second-row partner.

Riaz Fredericks, restored to full health after a broken arm, makes his European debut in the centre alongside Jonathan Bell. Jan Cunningham drops out, as does Sheldon Coulter to make way for the return of James Topping on the right wing.

David Humphreys has recovered from the flu that forced him to miss the last game and returns at the expense of Niall Malone.

Meanwhile, former Garryowen, Munster and Ireland number eight Ben Cronin has been forced to retire as a result of a serious shoulder injury. The 31-year-old announced his decision yesterday following medical advice, a bitter blow to a fine athlete and a great servant to every team for which he played.

Educated at Cistercian College, Roscrea, he played for Waterpark and Garryowen before enjoying a brief sojourn at Orrell, and then returning to Dooradoyle. His representative career included Munster's great triumph over the Australians at Musgrave Park, Ireland A honours and two full caps, both against Scotland, in 1995 and '97.

ULSTER: S Mason; J Topping, J Bell, R Fredericks, T Howe; D Humphreys (capt), S Bell; J Fitzpatrick, R Weir, J Veitayaki, P Johns, M Blair, D O'Cuinneagain, E Miller, A Ward. Replacements: S Coulter, N Malone, M Edwards, S McKinty, G Longwell, S Best, G Shields.

The All-Ireland League matches between Bohemians and Instonians (in Division Three) and Suttonians and Bangor (Division Four) have been postponed because of European Cup commitments.