Best makes surprise return as top names boost Ulster ranks

ULSTER have been handed a huge boost ahead of this weekend’s visit to the Dragons with the return of skipper Rory Best.

The 35-year-old has played just twice for the province this season thanks to a hamstring strain and international commitments, and took in 80 minutes in Ireland’s win over Argentina last weekend.

But while most of the front-line internationals will be spared Guinness PRO14 action this weekend, Best’s absences earlier in the year and subsequent low gametime have allowed him to be somewhat surprisingly cleared for action in Newport on Friday night (7.35pm kick-off ).

Ulster’s other Test stars who took on the Springboks and Pumas, Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson, will not return to provincial colours until the European clash with Harlequins next week.

Having had to field a hugely inexperienced back-row against Treviso last week, Les Kiss’ men will be boosted by the returns of Sean Reidy and Chris Henry, while Stuart McCloskey is also back.

The centre won his second Test cap against Fiji a fortnight ago and assistant coach Dwayne Peel is looking forward to unleashing him on the Dragons.

“I think to have Stu back is a big thing,” he said. “He has played particularly well this year and he played well against Fiji for Ireland.

“He has been good for us this year so it’s good to have him back in the fold.”