Arabic version: ألستر يضم خمسة تعاقدات جديدة لتشكيلته الأساسية أمام إدنبرة

According to BBC News, Ulster have given starting places to five summer signings for Friday’s United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh at the Affidea Stadium, with kick-off at 19:45 BST.

Eight players in Ulster’s matchday squad are set to make competitive debuts for the Irish province. New forwards Eduardo Bello, Eli Snyman, Ben Donnell and Martin Moloney are in the starting side, while back Jamie Benson also starts.

Michael Lowry will captain Ulster from full-back. Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune returns to the starting line-up after being involved in Ireland camp over the summer, while last season’s top try-scorer Zac Ward is named among the replacements.

James McNabney starts at number eight on his competitive return after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Argentine debutant Bello joins Eric O’Sullivan and James McCormick in the front row, while Snyman and Donnell form the second row.

Former Exeter Chiefs forward Moloney makes his debut at open-side flanker, with McCann at blind-side. Conor McKee and Jack Murphy are the half-backs, Benson and Ben Carson are in midfield, and Baloucoune and Aitzol Arenzana-King occupy the wings. Arenzana-King scored four tries in Ulster’s pre-season games against Edinburgh and Ospreys.

Development hooker Henry Walker, prop Keynan Knox and scrum-half Matthew Devine are included in a youthful bench. Walker, Tom McAllister, Knox, Harry Sheridan, James McKillop, Devine, Jake Flannery and Ward are the listed replacements.