BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | European | Longwell returns to Ulster team

Ulster received the ideal boost for Friday's Heineken Cup tie against Biarritz with the return of Ireland lock Gary Longwell.

Also back in the starting line-up are skipper Andy Ward and centre Ryan Constable while Matt Sexton has recovered from injury to resume at hooker.

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Longwell missed last weekend's Celtic League success over Glasgow after being injured in Ireland's game against Argentina two weeks ago.

But regular physio treatment and acupuncture appear to have cleared the shoulder problem.

Longwell took part in his first contact session on Tuesday and looked to have come through without too much trouble.

Mark Blair is the one who drops down to the bench.

Skipper Andy Ward scored a try when he came on as a replacement against Glasgow
Skipper Andy Ward will be Ulster's inspiration
After his try-scoring return as a replacement against Glasgow, Ward returns to the back-row where he will presumably rotate the number eight jersey with Warren Brosnihan.

It is tough luck on Tony McWhirter who reverts to the replacements' bench.

Constable is also on the starting team again, after his appearance shortly after half-time gave Ulster the impetus to go on and defeat Glasgow.

His pace will always be a threat while his defence has certainly toughened up of late.

He comes in for Shane Stewart in an otherwise unchanged back line.

Scott Young retains his place on the left wing even though he was not at his best at Hughenden.

However, for such a talented player, his confidence will be restored sooner rather than later.

Ulster: B Cunningham; J Topping; R Constable, J Bell, S Young; D Humphreys, N Doak; J Fitzpatrick, M Sexton, R Kempson, G Longwell, J Davidson, W Brosnihan, N McMillan, A Ward, capt.
Replacements: S Best, P Shields, M Blair, T McWhirter, K Campbell, A Larkin, S Coulter.


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