Injured Ireland star returns to action in international heavy Ulster selection

Cormac Izuchukwu headlines an Ulster squad stacked with star power as he is restored to Richie Murphy’s starting XV for tomorrow’s rescheduled BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Edinburgh at Hive Stadium.

The 6’7, 118kg forward returns from the concussion protocol that prematurely ended his recent involvement in Andy Farrell’s Ireland camp.

The 26?year?old blindside started Ireland’s Round 2 Guinness Six Nations win over Italy at the Aviva Stadium but had the misfortune of injuring himself after returning to training at Ravenhill.

Izuchukwu returns on the blindside, joined in the back row by fellow Ireland squad member Bryn Ward at openside.

South African powerhouse Juarno Augustus is back from an ankle injury to anchor the trio at No.8.

Wallabies loosehead Angus Bell starts in the No.1 jersey, while ex?Ireland hooker Rob Herring captains the side. Academy tighthead Tom McAllister makes his senior debut to complete the front row.

With Iain Henderson unavailable as he assists Ireland’s preparations for Saturday’s Scotland fixture, Harry Sheridan and development lock Charlie Irvine combine in the second row.

Behind the scrum, David Shanahan and Jack Murphy form the halfback axis, while Murphy keeps faith with the same backline that impressed in Round 12.

Ireland rookies Jude Postlewaite and James Hume continue their midfield partnership, while would-be Ireland back Zac Ward and ex-Bok Werner Kok remain on the wings alongside ever?dangerous full?back Michael Lowry.

Murphy opts for a 5:3 bench split, with David McCann headlining a physical forward contingent and Jake Flannery, Conor McKee and Ben Carson covering the backline.

Ulster Rugby: 15. Michael Lowry, 14. Werner Kok, 13. James Hume, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 11. Zac Ward, 10. Jack Murphy, 9. David Shanahan; 1. Angus Bell, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom McAllister, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Bryn Ward, 8. Juarno Augustus

Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Sam Crean, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Joe Hopes, 20. David McCann, 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Ben Carson

Edinburgh Rugby: 15. Harry Paterson, 14. Malelili Satala, 13. Piers O’Conor, 12. Mosese Tuipulotu, 11. Wes Goosen, 10. Ross Thompson, 9. Ben Vellacott (CAPT); 1. Boan Venter, 2. Dylan Richardson, 3. Angus Williams, 4. Marshall Sykes, 5. Glen Young, 6. Liam McConnell, 7. Connor Boyle, 8. Ben Muncaster

Replacements: 16. Harri Morris, 17. James Whitcombe, 18. Ollie Blyth?Lafferty, 19. Callum Hunter?Hill, 20. Tom Currie, 21. Charlie Shiel, 22. Cammy Scott, 23. Jack Brown