CELTIC LEAGUE Neath-Swansea Ospreys v Ulster Friday, 5 September, 1905 BST The Gnoll BBC Wales Sport coverage

Jonny Bell has withdrawn from Ulster's team for the opening Celtic League game against the Neath-Swansea Ospreys.

Bell had been troubled by an Achilles problem and following a run-out on Thursday the Ulster management decided not to include him in the centre.

Shane Stewart has been drafted in to partner Ryan Constable for Friday's game at The Gnoll.

Former Australian Test prop Rod Moore will make his competitive for Ulster.

The 31-year-old New South Wales Waratahs front-row forward will be used by Ulster as cover during the World Cup with Robbie Kempson unavailable because of injury until December.

Simon Best's availability for the Celtic League campaign is also in doubt because of his involvement with the Irish squad.

Rowan Frost and former Connacht prop Ronan McCormack will also make their competitive debuts for the Alan Solomons' side.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan asked Ulster to give lock Gary Longwell in the game.

Hopefully I can bring a bit of experience and help the young players develop Rod Moore

With David Humphreys unavailable because of Ireland's World Cup warm-up game against Scotland, Paddy Wallace will start at fly-half.

Newcomer Moore said he was "looking forward to a new challenge".

"Luckily there was a need for an experienced tight head," said the Aussie.

"Ulster are going through a transitional period but they are a very young and enthusiastic side from what I can see.

"Hopefully I can bring a bit of experience and help the young players develop.

"It is good to be involved straight away.

"Playing is the best way to get the know the squad". Meanwhile, former Lions and Welsh captain Scott Gibbs will lead the new Welsh combine into the new era.

We feel we have a winning team who will do well over the season ahead Ospreys head coach Lyn Jones

Gibbs is joined by what head coach Lyn Jones sdays is a blend of youth and experience.

"We have picked a team with a good balance,'' said Jones. ''Ulster are an strong side who have been successful in European competition over many years.

''They will provide us with a formidable challenge on Friday night. Our players have bonded well, are enjoying the training and the brand of rugby we are planning to develop.

''We feel we have a winning team who will do well over the season ahead.

''Although Friday will give us an initial guideline as to how successful we will be, we must bear in mind that it is the first match for a new side.

''I feel the performance will need to be viewed together with the Gwent fixture to give a better indication as to just where we are."

Neath-Swansea Ospreys: A Durston; D Tiueti, J Storey, S Gibbs, capt, E Seveali'l; S Connor, Andy Williams; P James, B Williams, A Millward, A Newman, l Tait, J Bater, R Pugh, N Bonner-Evans.
Replacements: G Morris, G Henson, R Richards, C Wells, G Thomas, L Bateman, C Griffiths.