ULSTER HEAD COACH Neil Doak has made three changes for Ulster’s Champions Cup pool 3 opener away to Leicester Tigers (kick-off 19.45).

Two of the switches are enforced with Craig Gilroy starting as expected in the absence of the injured Andrew Trimble.

Lock Alan O’Connor was cited in midweek for an incident that left Glasgow’s Mark Bennett unconscious, his place filled by Lewis Stevenson. Kiwi second row Ronald Raaymakers flew in to Belfast yesterday, too late for the Kiwi to join his new teammates for the trip to England.

Despite a fine display of goal-kicking last time out, Ian Humphreys drops out of the matchday squad altogether to make room for Paddy Jackson’s return after passing the return to play protocols after a head injury kept him out of the win over Warriors.

Centre Stuart McCloskey is given a chance to bring his excellent Pro12 form on to the big stage, but he and midfield partner Jared Payne will have Stuart Olding and Darren Cave putting the pressure on from the bench.

The Tigers meanwhile, have made just one change to the side which defeated Harlequins last time out at Welford Road with Marcos Ayerza filling out the number one jersey.

Manu Tuilagi continues his comeback and lock Brad Thorn renews acquaintances with Ulster having been part of the Leinster side that beat the northern province in the 2012 Heineken Cup final.

Live coverage: BT Sport.

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