European champions Leinster will have CJ van der Linde back in harness as they prepare to begin the defence of their title against London Irish at the RDS on Friday, while Simon Danielli is back in Brian McLaughlin’s squad.
The South African prop featured four times for Michael Cheika’s side in last season’s historic campaign and comes in for the injured Stan Wright, who injured his pectoral muscle when attempting to tackle Ronan O’Gara in the 30-0 drubbing of Munster on Saturday.
Van der Linde is sure to be named in the extended 23-man squad in accordance with new rules allowing teams two replacement props.
Also in the squad are last week’s try scorers Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan and Brian O'Driscoll, and in-form outhalf Jonathan Sexton.
Cheika is expected to name his side at lunchtime on Thursday, as will McLaughlin, who is preparing his side to face Bath at Ravenhill.
Danielli will be a welcome addition but lock Dan Tuohy misses out on the pool 4 clash having failed to regain his fitness.
Leinster Squad (v London Irish)
Forwards: Leo Cullen, John Fogarty, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Nathan Hines, Bernard Jackman, Shane Jennings, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Malcolm O'Kelly, Sean O'Brien, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, CJ van der Linde
Backs: Shaun Berne, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, Rob Kearney, Simon Keogh, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa, Brian O'Driscoll, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton
Ulster Squad (v Bath)
Forwards: Tom Court, Bryan Young, Brendon Botha, Declan Fitzpatrick, Andy Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Ryan Caldwell, Neil McComb, Ed O'Donoghue, Thomas Anderson, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack, Willie Faloon.
Backs: Isaac Boss, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Mark McCrea , Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble, Timoci Nagusa, Simon Danielli, Clinton Schifcofske.
