Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : News : Internationals Return To Ulster Squad

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

Ronan O'Gara's retirement from professional rugby brings to an end an achievement-packed career that saw him dominate matches in Ireland and around the world in the colours of Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

Chris Henry and Declan Fitzpatrick were in the matchday squad for Ireland's Six Nations defeat to England at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday.

Prop John Afoa is part of Mark Anscombe's 25-man panel following a short stint in New Zealand. Half-backs Michael Heaney and Paddy Jackson have also been added to the squad.

Ulster remain top of the RaboDirect PRO12 table despite the 16-12 home loss to the Ospreys last weekend. They have a seven-point advantage over second-placed Glasgow Warriors head into the round 15 matches.

ULSTER Squad (v Zebre) - Backs (11): Ruan Pienaar, Michael Heaney, Stuart Olding, Paddy Jackson, Paddy Wallace, Luke Marshall, Darren Cave, Michael Allen, Andrew Trimble, Chris Cochrane, Ricky Andrew.

Forwards (14): Rob Herring, Niall Annett, Tom Court, Callum Black, John Afoa, Declan Fitzpatrick, Johann Muller, Neil McComb, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Chris Henry, Iain Henderson, Mike McComish, Robbie Diack.