Ulster Name Henry In Extended Squad
Influential back rower Chris Henry has been included in Ulster’s extended 31-man squad ahead of their Heineken Cup final clash with Leinster on Saturday.
Chris Henry missed the semi-final win over Edinburgh due to an ankle injury but trained at Jordanstown with the rest of the squad on Monday.
The Ireland international has been included in the extended panel named ahead of Saturday’s all-Irish decider against Leinster at Twickenham.
Head coach Brian McLaughlin will confirm the province’s starting line-up and replacements on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Ulster hooker Andi Kyriacou is leaving Ravenhill for the Cardiff Blues at the end of the current season.
The Liverpool-born forward is Irish-qualified and began his career with Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie before spending five seasons with Saracens.
He also enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Munster during the 2006/07 season before returning to Sarries. He made the move to Ulster ahead of the 2009-10 campaign and racked up 56 provincial caps during his time in Belfast.
His good all-round form and accurate lineout throwing saw him called into the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds squad for their game against Tonga in November 2009.
His one and only try for Ulster came in their home win over Connacht back in May 2010.
Commenting on his three-year stint with the Ulstermen, Kyriacou said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players, coaches and staff at Ulster Rugby for making my time here a truly memorable one.
“It’s been an unforgettable three years for myself and my family and we have made lifelong friends and memories here.
“The decision to leave our Belfast life behind was indeed a difficult one. However we look forward to the exciting times and opportunities ahead, closer to our families.
“I should also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the fans for their support throughout my time at the province. Running out to that level of support at Ravenhill has been a highlight of my career.”
ULSTER Squad (v Leinster) – Backs (14): Ian Porter, Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Nevin Spence, Ian Whitten, Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble, Adam D’Arcy, Stefan Terblanche.
Forwards (17): Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick, Callum Black, John Afoa, Adam Macklin, Paddy McAllister, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Johann Muller, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Mike McComish, Pedrie Wannenburg.