New boy Speight set to make his bow at Kingspan against Scarlets

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As well as being boosted by the availability of Henderson and Cooney, Ulster are also expected to have short-term signing Henry Speight ready to make his debut.

The 30-year-old Wallaby, who can play centre or wing, is with Ulster until the New Year after arriving from the Brumbies, the Super Rugby franchise which last season also released Christian Leali’ifano to the province.

New signing Billy Burns is thought likely to be fit for the Scarlets after missing last weekend’s pre-season hit-out at Wasps and the former Gloucester player could well be starting at out-half after looking sharp in the first friendly against his old club.

Meanwhile, former Ulster player Charles Piutau has been ruled out of Bristol Bears’ opening Premiership game after shipping a shoulder injury in their pre-season game with Connacht.

The All Black is thought likely to be sidelined for longer which, if true, is a huge blow for the newly-promoted club after the 26-year-old joined on a twoyear deal believed to be worth £1m-per-season.

And Rob Kearney has warned that Leinster must improve if they are to retain their Champions Cup and Guinness PRO14 titles.

Leinster begin their PRO14 defence in Cardiff tomorrow when Leo Cullen will be without his front-line internationals, and Kearney admitted that the senior players had already spoken about the importance of not allowing standards to drop.

“There will be a huge amount of chat within the squad that what we did last year won’t be enough,” Kearney said.

“That’s where the older lads come in. We have to be better than we were last year if we are to win again.”