Despite the relatively young age of the players involved, particularly amongst the backs, there will be plenty of experience in McLaughlin's starting line-up which will be announced later this week.

Notably, young centre Luke Marshall, who captained Leinster/Ulster to a memorable victory at the Aviva Stadium recently, has been included in the province's extended panel.

Friday's match against Bath at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.30pm) is one of three upcoming friendlies for the Ulstermen.

They are also due to face Harlequins at the Stoop on Saturday, August 21 (kick-off 2.30pm) and Leeds Carnegie back in Belfast on Thursday, August 26 (kick-off 7.30pm).

Tickets for the Bath game are available to pre-purchase from www.ulsterrugby.com or the Ravenhill Ticket Office, alternatively tickets will also be on sale at the gates on match night. Gates will open at 6pm.

In addition to the great rugby on offer from some top sides, supporters attending Ulster's pre-season friendlies will notice a few changes around the place when they enter Ravenhill.

The main concourse area will be transformed as it is out with the cars and in with a food village!

There will be six or seven new catering options to tickle the taste buds ahead of kick-off and there will also be some live entertainment to help build up the atmosphere.

ULSTER Squad (v Bath) - Backs (11): Darren Cave, Ian Humphreys, Paul Marshall, Luke Marshall, Mark McCrea, Niall O'Connor, Ian Porter, Tommy Seymour, Jamie Smith, Nevin Spence, Ian Whitten.

Forwards (14): Thomas Anderson, Tim Barker, Nigel Brady, Ryan Caldwell, Robbie Diack, Willie Faloon, Declan Fitzpatrick, Andi Kyriacou, Adam Macklin, Johann Muller, Paddy McAllister, Neil McComb, Pedrie Wannenburg, Bryan Young.