Hooker Andy Kyriacou, a temporary signing from English side Saracens, will make his first start for Munster tonight, as an untimely hamstring injury has sidelined Frankie Sheahan.

The unfortunate Sheahan, who has only just returned from a lengthy spell out with a neck injury, misses out as the Heineken Cup champions host Ulster, the reigning league champions, at Musgrave Park (kick-off 7.30pm).

The 23-year-old Kyriacou, recommended by former Munster boss Alan Gaffney who is now Sarries' director of rugby, is on a four-month contract with the province, providing cover at hooker. He stands at 5ft 11in and weighs in at 15st 8lbs.

The Munster replacements bench has also been confirmed in the last hour with Frankie Roche, the Shannon clubman who can operate as a prop or hooker, included as Kyriacou's back-up. Timmy Ryan, Mick O'Driscoll, Tim McGann, Brian O'Meara, Eoghan Hickey and Trevor Halstead are the home side's other replacements.

Munster: Christian Cullen; Anthony Horgan, John Kelly, Shaun Payne, Ian Dowling; Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer; Marcus Horan, Andy Kyriacou, Federico Pucciariello, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell (capt), Alan Quinlan, David Wallace, Anthony Foley.

Replacements: Frankie Roche, Timmy Ryan, Mick O'Driscoll, Tim McGann, Brian O'Meara, Eoghan Hickey, Trevor Halstead.