Ulster have handed starts to five summer signings for Friday's United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh at the Affidea Stadium (19:45 BST). Eight players in the matchday squad are set to make competitive debuts for the Irish province. New forward additions Eduardo Bello, Eli Snyman, Ben Donnell and Martin Moloney are named in the starting team, with new recruit Jamie Benson chosen among the backs.

Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune returns to the starting line-up, while last season's top try-scorer Zac Ward is among the replacements after Ireland camp involvement. Full-back Michael Lowry is named captain. After missing all of last season with a knee injury, James Mc Nabney makes his competitive return at number eight.

Argentine debutant Bello joins Eric O'Sullivan and James Mc Cormick in the front row, with Snyman and Donnell forming the second row. Former Exeter Chiefs forward Moloney debuts at open-side flanker, with Mc Cann at blind-side. Conor Mc Kee and Jack Murphy make up the half-back combination, while ex-Harlequins back Benson and Ben Carson team up in midfield.

Development back Aitzol Arenzana-King starts on the left wing after scoring four tries in pre-season. A youthful bench includes hooker Henry Walker, prop Keynan Knox and scrum-half Matthew Devine.