Payne Returns to Face Leinster

Mark Anscombe has named the 28 year old at outside centre for the sold-out clash against the league leaders, which will also act as the official opening of the newly redeveloped Ravenhill Stadium.

Other changes to the lineup from the loss to Glasgow Warriors two weeks ago include Andrew Warwick at tighthead and Roger Wilson, returning from injury, in the back row.

Ireland caps Paul Marshall, Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall will play inside Payne, with Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble and Ricky Andrew continuing in the back three.

Warwick will be joined in the front row by hooker Rob Herring and Tom Court, who will play possibly his last match for Ulster at Ravenhill. Retiring captain Johann Muller, who will find himself in a similar situation to Court on Friday evening, is again joined in the engine room by Iain Henderson.

Wilson's inclusion at blindside flanker means Chris Henry will switch to the other side of the scrum, while Nick Williams will remain at the base.

International second row Dan Tuohy has returned from injury and is named among the replacements. Niall Annett, Callum Black and Adam Macklin provide front row support on the bench, with Sean Doyle covering the back row. Michael Heaney, James McKinney and Darren Cave are selected as backline substitutes.

Muller, who is likely to make his final Ravenhill appearance on Friday night after announcing his intentions to retire at the end of the season, was keen to thank the people of Ulster for helping to make his time in the Province so memorable.

"It is no secret that the last four years are possibly the best of my rugby career. I have just enjoyed it so much. My family has been so happy in Belfast and the people of Northern Ireland have been absolutely outstanding to my family and I. We have loved it here."

Tomorrow night's game and opening ceremony are live on BBC 2 Northern Ireland from 19.00.

Ulster XV and replacements to face Leinster Rugby, RaboDirect PRO12, Ravenhill Stadium, Friday 2nd May (kick off 19:30):

(15-9): R Andrew, A Trimble, J Payne, L Marshall, T Bowe, P Jackson, P Marshall; (1-8); T Court, R Herring, A Warwick, J Muller (captain), I Henderson, R Wilson, C Henry, N Williams;

Replacements (16-23): N Annett, C Black, A Macklin, D Tuohy, S Doyle, M Heaney, J McKinney, D Cave.