Ulster have received a significant boost with winger Robert Baloucoune starting Friday's European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier. The 28-year-old, initially ruled out for three months with an elbow injury, has returned to training early and is selected on the right wing. This marks his first start since Ireland's Six Nations win over Scotland in March.

Head coach Richie Murphy makes several changes, reinstating the first-choice half-back pairing of Jack Murphy and Nathan Doak. Baloucoune joins Mike Lowry and top try-scorer Zac Ward in the back three. Jude Postlethwaite partners James Hume in midfield due to Stuart McCloskey's absence, while a calf injury to Rob Herring means Tom Stewart starts at hooker.

In the pack, Angus Bell makes his Ulster swansong at loose-head before returning to Australia. Without suspended captain Iain Henderson, Harry Sheridan partners Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. Flanker David McCann returns to start alongside stand-in skipper Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus. Murphy has opted for a five-three split on the bench.