Ferris back for Ulster against Ospreys

The squad welcomes back Ulster and Ireland back row, Stephen Ferris, who has been troubled with a back injury since the Ireland summer tour, Ferris is raring to go and said earlier in the week:

"I am really glad to be getting the chance to play this weekend; I don't mind if I play 6 or 8, I am just looking forward to getting some game time and getting back on that pitch."

"We always seem to do alright against the Ospreys, and if we can cut out the errors from previous games and keep our set piece play tight, then I think we can get a result. It will be a tough task against the Ospreys, they are an impressive side, it is going to be strange playing against Tommy but the friendships will be left behind in the changing room,"continued Ferris.

Also included in the extended squad is scrum half Paul Marshall, who replaces Cillian Willis in the squad. Ulster player/coach Paul Steinmetz is also welcomed back into the squad, as is Stuart Philpott.

The Ulstermen will be battling for a win this weekend after a series of disappointing defeats at the hands of the Welsh. Ospreys are currently second in the league having won three out of four games in the Magners League this season, and are set to welcome back Welsh International Gavin Henson into their starting XV, who will line-up alongside former Ulster favourite Tommy Bowe.

Ulster Assistant Coach and former Welsh international Steve Williams, knows what his men will be up against on Saturday afternoon:

"It will be a different type of game. They present a real physical challenge and have some superb individual players. It is a fantastic stadium to play in and a tough place to play, but as a player you have to be excited about playing against the Ospreys at the Liberty."

"All our players are looking forward to it, we know we have only been a dropped pass or missed kick away from being further up the table, we see the Ospreys game as our chance."

Ulster Rugby is offering a special Student Special ticket deal for the upcoming Ulster v Edinburgh game, students will be able to purchase "tickets for a tenner" for the game all this week.

To promote this special student offer, Ulster Rugby players will be appearing at the Bank Of Ireland branch within Queens Students Union, to meet and greet supporters.

The players will be at the union branch between 1pm-2pm on Thursday 25th September and 2pm-3pm Friday 26th September. Student offer tickets for the Edinburgh clash will be available to buy from Ulster Rugby representatives at the Bank of Ireland branch, between these times. For more information log on to www.ulsterrugby.com

ULSTER SQUAD FORWARDS: Justin Fitzpatrick; Nigel Brady, Tom Court, Rory Best, Brendon Botha, Carlo Del Fava, Ed O'Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Matt McCullough, Kieron Dawson, Robbie Diack, Thomas Anderson, Stuart Philpott, Stephen Ferris

ULSTER SQUAD BACKS: Niall O'Connor; Bryn Cunningham, Timoci Nagusa, Rob Dewey, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Clinton Schifcofske, Isaac Boss, Paul Steinmetz, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys